Duane Thomas, a notable figure in NFL history and former running back, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas's legacy is intricately woven into the fabric of the NFL, particularly during his time with the Dallas Cowboys, where he left an indelible mark with his extraordinary talent and sometimes controversial tenure.
A Rookie Sensation
Entering the 1971 offseason, Duane Thomas had already solidified his reputation with one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history. His contribution to the Cowboys' offense was pivotal, helping Dallas secure their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. With an impressive 5.3 yards-per-carry average, a franchise record that remained untarnished until Emmitt Smith equaled it in 1993, Thomas's performance was nothing short of remarkable.
The Quest for Fair Compensation
As the 1971 season approached, Thomas sought a pay raise from the Cowboys, a request that was met with resistance from the team's management. The ensuing disagreement led to a trade to the New England Patriots, a move that was eventually vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Despite the turmoil, Thomas returned to Dallas and chose to remain silent throughout the entire 1971 season.
A Season of Triumph and Turmoil
Even in silence, Thomas's actions on the field spoke volumes. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during the 1971 season, pushing the Cowboys towards their sixth consecutive division title. His prowess was on full display during the Cowboys' playoff run, where he scored three touchdowns in three games, including a vital performance in Super Bowl VI against the Miami Dolphins. In that decisive game, Thomas rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries, adding a 3-yard touchdown run and three receptions, ultimately contributing to the Cowboys’ 24–3 victory over the Dolphins.
A Sudden Departure
Thomas's success, however, did not secure his place with the Cowboys for long. Before the 1972 season began, Thomas was released by the team. He did not participate in the NFL that year but eventually joined the Washington Redskins, where he spent two additional seasons before retiring from professional football.
Reflections on a Storied Career
Reflecting on his legacy nearly 35 years after his Super Bowl triumph, Thomas acknowledged the sense of accomplishment he felt from his NFL career, stating, "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet." His unique and sometimes disruptive personality left a lasting impact on those who played alongside him. "I didn't come in with an attitude of disruption," Thomas once remarked. "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."
His teammates held him in high regard, recognizing his immense talent and contribution to the sport. Roger Staubach, a stalwart of the Cowboys, fondly recalled, "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 legend, echoed this sentiment, comparing Thomas's moves on the field to those of the great Jim Brown. "I just can't tell people enough how good he was," Lilly said. "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."
Duane Thomas's career may have been marked by moments of discord, but his undeniable talent and contributions to the game of football have secured him a place in the annals of NFL history. As the sports world mourns his passing, the memories of his remarkable performances and the legacy he left behind will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.