Duane Thomas, the indomitable former NFL running back, has passed away at 77, leaving behind a legacy that has resonated through generations of football enthusiasts. Thomas was a crucial component of the Dallas Cowboys' maiden Super Bowl-winning team, earning respect for his sheer talent and enigmatic presence on the field.
A Stellar Rookie Season
Entering the 1971 offseason, Thomas delivered an unforgettable rookie season, considered one of the finest in NFL history. His agility and vision transformed the Cowboys' offense, propelling them to their first Super Bowl appearance.
Thomas's performance during that period was nothing short of spectacular. With a league-best 5.3 yards per carry, he set a franchise record that stood unchallenged until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993. As the Cowboys reached their inaugural Super Bowl, Thomas's influence was evident, making history with a franchise struggling to find its championship footing.
Contract Disputes and Silence
However, Thomas's career was not without its tumultuous moments. Entering the 1971 season, he sought a pay raise from the Cowboys, a request that the team management refused. This disagreement led to an attempted trade to the New England Patriots, a move vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.
Despite the controversy, Thomas returned to Dallas and remained silent throughout the entire 1971 season. This silence, however, did not diminish his impact. Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that season, securing the Cowboys' sixth consecutive division title and proving his worth on the field.
Super Bowl VI Triumph
Thomas's postseason performance was equally remarkable. He scored three touchdowns across three games during the Cowboys' playoff run, including a standout performance in Super Bowl VI. In that game, Thomas had 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, a 3-yard touchdown run, and three receptions, contributing significantly to the Cowboys' dominant 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
His resilience and skill during the 1971 season earned him high praise from teammates and opponents alike. Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach reflected on Thomas's contributions, saying, "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."
The End of a Promising Career
Despite his on-field success, Thomas's career with the Cowboys came to an abrupt end when he was released before the 1972 season. He did not participate in the NFL that year but later joined the Washington team, where he spent two seasons before retiring from professional football.
Bob Lilly, another Cowboys legend, often lauded Thomas's prowess. "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 weaving his way through the linebackers and the secondary. Almost like music."
Reflecting on a Unique Legacy
Thomas's tenure in the NFL was as brief as it was brilliant. Reflecting on his legacy nearly 35 years after his Super Bowl victory, 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."
Even in retirement, Thomas's reflections carried the weight of a unique career. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he noted, encapsulating the indelible mark his contributions left on the sport.
As the football world mourns the loss of Duane Thomas, it also celebrates a player whose talent and spirit embodied the essence of the game. His journey, marked by highs and lows, remains an integral chapter in the rich history of the NFL.