Duane Thomas, an iconic figure in NFL history and a former Dallas Cowboys running back, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas, who is remembered as a formidable force on the field, played a crucial role in the Cowboys' journey to their first Super Bowl championship.
A Remarkable NFL Journey
Duane Thomas burst onto the NFL scene with one of the most impressive rookie seasons in the league's history. As he entered the 1971 offseason, his performance set the stage for an illustrious career. Thomas' ability to dominate the field was evident as he helped the Cowboys clinch their first Super Bowl berth, boasting a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average—a franchise record that would remain unchallenged until Emmitt Smith equaled it in 1993.
However, Thomas' career wasn't without its challenges. Entering the 1971 season, he sought a pay raise from the Cowboys, a request that the team management declined. This disagreement led to Thomas being traded to the New England Patriots, only for the move to be vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Returning to Dallas, Thomas chose to remain silent throughout the entire 1971 season, letting his performance on the field do the talking.
Dominating the 1971 Season
Thomas' contributions were pivotal as he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during the 1971 season. His efforts helped the Cowboys secure their sixth consecutive division title, setting the stage for a remarkable playoff run. Thomas' prowess was on full display as he scored three touchdowns across three playoff games, including the Cowboys' triumphant victory in Super Bowl VI.
Super Bowl VI against the Miami Dolphins saw Thomas at his best. He rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries, scored a 3-yard touchdown, and caught three receptions. His performance played a key role in the Cowboys' 24-3 victory, securing their first Super Bowl championship. Despite his success, the Cowboys released Thomas before the commencement of the 1972 season, leading to his absence from the NFL that year.
Reflections on a Storied Career
Thomas' subsequent NFL career saw him join the Washington Redskins, where he spent two seasons before retiring. Reflecting on his legacy nearly 35 years after winning the Super Bowl, Thomas shared insights into his mindset and impact on the field. "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," he explained, shedding light on his complex relationship with teammates and management.
Former teammates and NFL legends have often lauded Thomas for his exceptional talent and work ethic. "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," remembered Roger Staubach. Bob Lilly echoed these sentiments, comparing Thomas to the legendary Jim Brown. "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. 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," Lilly reminisced.
Thomas himself reflected on the unique sense of accomplishment that came with his achievements on the field. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he admitted, capturing the unparalleled nature of his NFL experiences.
As the NFL community mourns the loss of Duane Thomas, his legacy as a dynamic and influential player endures. From his groundbreaking rookie season to his pivotal role in the Cowboys' first Super Bowl win, Thomas' impact on the game of football will be remembered for generations to come.