Duane Thomas, a former NFL running back renowned for his incredible talent and enigmatic personality, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas was a pivotal player on the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship team, leaving a legacy that continues to stir admiration and reflection within the football community.
Thomas was a phenomenon right from the start of his NFL career, delivering one of the best rookie seasons in the league's history as he entered the 1971 offseason. His prowess on the field was evident as he helped the Cowboys reach their inaugural Super Bowl with a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average, a franchise record that stood unchallenged until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993.
A Complicated Season
The journey to Super Bowl VI was not without its complications for Thomas. Entering the 1971 season, Thomas sought a pay raise from the Cowboys, a request that the team management did not concede to. This disagreement led to Thomas being traded to New England, a move swiftly vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Upon his return to Dallas, Thomas remained stoically silent through the entire 1971 season. Despite his silence, his performance on the field spoke volumes.
Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that season, driving the Cowboys to their sixth consecutive division title. His contribution was instrumental in Dallas' playoff run, scoring three touchdowns across the three games, culminating in a dominant Super Bowl VI performance against the Miami Dolphins. In that game, Thomas showcased his versatility and skill with 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, a 3-yard touchdown run, and three receptions, leading the Cowboys to a 24-3 victory.
A Teammate's Respect
His peers held him in high regard for his dedication and football intelligence. "Duane Thomas gave everything he had. He blocked hard, he ran hard, he played hard, and he was very smart. Duane rarely made a mistake," recalled Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach. Thomas' on-field conduct may have been enigmatic, but his commitment and capability were undeniable.
An Unforgettable Talent
Even years after retiring, Thomas' legacy continued to draw admiration from those who played alongside him. Hall of Fame defensive tackle Bob Lilly nostalgically remembered Thomas' exceptional ability to evade tackles. "I just can't tell people enough how good he was. I just had visions of Jim Brown coming back to life. Duane, he had those same moves, the ones where you think you have him, and he wiggles out of it or he gives up a limp leg," Lilly shared. "He could really go off-tackle, about as good as I ever saw, and start needing his way through the linebackers and the secondary. Almost like music. In fact, I can see it right now."
Post-Dallas Career
Despite his outstanding 1971 season, the Cowboys released Thomas before the 1972 season began. Thomas did not participate in that year's NFL competitions. He later joined Washington, spending two seasons with the team before retiring from the NFL.
Reflecting on His Legacy
Thomas' attitude and behavior off the field remain points of discussion. In a documentary about the '71 Cowboys, Thomas once reflected, "I didn't come in with an attitude of disruption. However, when I exposed my true personality, it was disruptive to other personalities on the team. But it was not disruptive to the performance of the team."
Almost 35 years after the monumental Super Bowl win, Thomas reflected on the feeling of accomplishment it gave him, stating, "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet."
The football world lost not just a player, but a man whose career, behavior, and talent continue to evoke strong memories and varied interpretations. Duane Thomas, with his unique blend of skill, intensity, and mystery, remains a storied figure in the annals of NFL history.