Duane Thomas, the former NFL running back renowned for his remarkable rookie season and pivotal role in the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship, has passed away at the age of 77. Known for his exceptional talent and complex personality, Thomas leaves behind a legacy that has been etched into the annals of NFL history.
A Stellar Rookie Season
Entering the 1971 offseason, Duane Thomas delivered one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history. He played an instrumental role in helping the Cowboys reach their inaugural Super Bowl with a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average—a franchise record that remained unchallenged until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993.
His performance in his rookie year foreshadowed the heights he would reach in the subsequent season. In the 1971 season, Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and played a key role in leading the Cowboys to their sixth consecutive division title. His contributions did not go unnoticed, as he scored three touchdowns across three games in Dallas' playoff run, including in the monumental Super Bowl VI.
Super Bowl VI Heroics
In Super Bowl VI, Thomas showcased his extraordinary talent with 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, a 3-yard touchdown run, and three receptions. His efforts helped propel the Cowboys to a dominant 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins, securing their first Super Bowl title. The performance was a testament to his abilities on the football field, where he proved himself as both a runner and a receiver.
The Contract Dispute
Despite his on-field success, Thomas’ off-field disagreements with the Cowboys' management were well-publicized. Seeking a pay raise entering the 1971 season, Thomas found himself at an impasse with the team’s management. This disagreement led to him being traded to New England, a move that was ultimately vetoed by then-NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.
After returning to Dallas, Thomas remained silent throughout the entire 1971 season, a year in which his performance spoke volumes even as he chose not to address the press.
Leaving Dallas
In a surprising turn of events, the Cowboys released Thomas before the 1972 season began. As a result, he did not participate in the 1972 NFL season. Later, Thomas joined the Washington team, where he spent two seasons before retiring from professional football.
Reflections on Legacy
Almost 35 years after his Super Bowl triumph, Thomas reflected on his career and legacy. "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," Roger Staubach once said of him, highlighting the dedication and intelligence that characterized Thomas' play.
Both his peers and fans held Thomas in high regard. Bob Lilly compared him to another NFL great, Jim Brown, saying, "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."
Reflecting on his own impact, Thomas once said, "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." These words encapsulate the unique persona of a player who was both enigmatic and fiercely talented.
Looking back, Thomas recognized the indelible mark he left on the sport. "It's a sense of accomplishment that... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet." His legacy, marked by both triumphs and trials, remains influential in the NFL history books.
Duane Thomas will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements on the field but also for his intriguing personality off it. His contributions to the sport have left an enduring impact, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations of players.