The football world is mourning the passing of Duane Thomas, the legendary NFL running back, who has died at the age of 77. Thomas, a pivotal figure in the Dallas Cowboys' history, leaves behind a storied legacy that will be remembered for generations.
A Star in the Making
Thomas burst onto the NFL scene with one of the most remarkable rookie seasons in history. As he entered the 1971 offseason, his prowess on the field was undeniable. Averaging an impressive 5.3 yards per carry, Thomas set a franchise record for the Cowboys, a feat that remained unmatched until Emmitt Smith equaled it in 1993.
His standout performance was instrumental in guiding the Cowboys to their inaugural Super Bowl. In that season, Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, cementing his status as one of the most formidable players in the league.
Challenges and Triumphs
Despite his success on the field, Thomas faced significant challenges off it. Seeking a pay raise from the Cowboys ahead of the 1971 season, he found himself at odds with the team management, who refused to meet his demands. This led to his trade to New England, a move that was subsequently vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.
Returning to Dallas, Thomas chose a path of silence, not speaking to the media for the entire 1971 season. Regardless of the off-field drama, his on-field performance never wavered. His efforts helped the Cowboys capture their sixth consecutive division title and secure their first Super Bowl victory.
Super Bowl Glory
In Super Bowl VI, Thomas delivered a spectacular performance. He rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries, scored a 3-yard touchdown run, and made three receptions. His contributions were vital as the Cowboys triumphed over the Miami Dolphins with a decisive 24-3 victory. Thomas's three touchdowns across the playoff run were a testament to his impact and significance to the team.
The End of an Era
Thomas's tenure with the Cowboys came to an abrupt end before the 1972 season, when the team released him. He did not participate in that season but later joined Washington, where he spent two more years before retiring from the NFL.
Reflecting on his legacy many years after his Super Bowl triumph, Thomas remained candid about his career. "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 once said.
Former teammates held Thomas in high regard, praising his abilities and dedication. Roger Staubach, the Cowboys' quarterback, remembered him fondly, "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."
Echoing this sentiment, Bob Lilly, a Hall of Fame defensive lineman, drew comparisons to another NFL great, "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's life in and out of football was complex and multifaceted, marked by exceptional talent and moments of contention. As the football community reflects on his contributions, his legacy as a key player in the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl win and a trailblazing athlete will undoubtedly endure.
"It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," Thomas once remarked, encapsulating the profound impact of his football career. As we bid farewell to Duane Thomas, his storied career and indelible mark on the NFL will be celebrated and remembered forever.