Duane Thomas: An NFL Legacy Remembered
The football world mourns the loss of Duane Thomas, a former NFL running back, who passed away at the age of 77. Thomas is remembered not only for his extraordinary career but also for his contributions to one of the most storied franchises in football history, the Dallas Cowboys.
A Key Player in Cowboys' History
Thomas was a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship team. His rookie season remains one of the finest ever seen in the NFL, entering the 1971 offseason with momentum that few could match. His remarkable performance helped the Cowboys reach their inaugural Super Bowl, boasting a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average, a franchise record that would only be matched by Emmitt Smith in 1993.
As the Cowboys entered the 1971 season, Thomas sought a pay raise commensurate with his contributions. However, the team’s management was not inclined to meet his demands, leading to friction. This disagreement saw him traded to the New England Patriots, a move that was subsequently vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Ultimately, Thomas returned to Dallas, choosing to remain silent through the entire 1971 season.
1971 Season and Super Bowl Glory
Despite the off-field controversy, Thomas delivered outstanding on-field performances. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during the 1971 season, helping to secure the Cowboys' sixth consecutive division title. His prowess continued into the playoffs, where he scored three touchdowns over three games, including Super Bowl VI. In that historic game, Thomas recorded 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, scored a 3-yard touchdown run, and made three receptions, aiding the Cowboys in their 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Parting Ways and Reflection
However, the partnership between Thomas and the Cowboys was short-lived. He was released by the team before the 1972 season began. Not participating that season, Thomas eventually joined the Washington Football Team, where he spent two seasons before retiring from the NFL.
Reflecting on his legacy nearly 35 years after his Super Bowl win, Thomas remarked, "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."
Enduring Praise from Teammates
Thomas' impact on his teammates was profound and lasting. Roger Staubach, the legendary Cowboys quarterback, once said, "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." Bob Lilly, another Cowboys great, echoed these sentiments, praising Thomas' exceptional skill and talent reminiscent of the legendary Jim Brown. "I just can't tell people enough how good he was," Lilly said. "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."
Thomas himself acknowledged the special feeling of his accomplishments, stating, "It's a sense of accomplishment that... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet."
Duane Thomas leaves behind a legacy marked by exceptional talent, memorable performances, and a unique personal journey that has been etched into the history of the NFL. His contributions, both celebrated and controversial, remain a testament to his impact on the game and his place within the sport's storied annals.