Duane Thomas, the enigmatic former NFL running back, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas' career in professional football, particularly with the Dallas Cowboys, left an indelible mark on the NFL. His unique blend of talent and complexity made him a standout figure both on and off the field.
An Outstanding Rookie Season
Thomas burst onto the scene with one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history. Entering the 1971 offseason, he was already a player to watch. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Dallas Cowboys to their first Super Bowl appearance. Boasting a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average, Thomas set a franchise record that stood until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993.
Contract Dispute and Trade Drama
As Thomas sought a pay raise entering the 1971 season, tensions with Cowboys management began to boil. The team refused to meet his demands, resulting in a brief but dramatic turn of events where Thomas was traded to New England. However, this trade was eventually vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, adding another layer of complexity to Thomas' story.
Silent Yet Dominant in 1971
Despite the off-field issues, Thomas returned to Dallas and let his performance speak volumes. He remained silent throughout the entire 1971 season, choosing to express himself through his play. That season, he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and significantly contributed to the Cowboys securing their sixth consecutive division title. His playoff performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring three touchdowns across three games, culminating in a dominant Super Bowl VI performance.
Super Bowl VI Heroics
In Super Bowl VI, Thomas was instrumental in the Cowboys' 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. He amassed 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, scored a 3-yard touchdown run, and added three receptions to his impressive stat line. These contributions solidified his legacy as a clutch performer on the game's biggest stage.
Departure from Dallas
Despite his on-field successes, Thomas' tenure with the Cowboys came to an abrupt end when he was released before the 1972 season. Thomas did not play in the NFL that year, choosing instead to take a hiatus from the game. He later joined the Washington team, where he spent two seasons before retiring from professional football.
A Lasting Legacy
Thomas reflected on his career nearly 35 years after his Super Bowl triumph. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he once said, capturing the profound impact his football career had on his life.
Teammates and peers remember Thomas fondly for his incredible skill and dedication. Dallas Cowboys legend Roger Staubach remarked, "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." Similarly, defensive tackle Bob Lilly likened Thomas' abilities to those of the great 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."
Thomas himself acknowledged the unique challenges he faced, particularly the friction between his personality and the team's dynamics. "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.
Duane Thomas' passing marks the end of an era for those who witnessed his exceptional talent and complexity. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire and be remembered by football fans and players alike.