The world of American football is mourning the loss of one of its celebrated figures, Duane Thomas, who passed away at the age of 77. As a former NFL running back, Thomas held a key role in shaping the early success of the Dallas Cowboys, particularly in their journey to becoming Super Bowl champions.
Thomas burst onto the scene with a rookie season that is still remembered as one of the best in NFL history. Entering the 1971 offseason, his performance was already marked by remarkable achievements. During that season, he recorded a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average, a franchise record that remained uncontested until Emmitt Smith tied it over two decades later in 1993. His efforts were instrumental in propelling the Dallas Cowboys to their first Super Bowl appearance.
Controversial Offseason
The offseason that followed saw Thomas seeking a pay raise from the Cowboys, who were hesitant to meet his demands. This led to a trade to New England, a transaction that was vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, forcing Thomas back to Dallas. His return was marked by a significant silence throughout the season, a demeanor that did not affect his gameplay but left a mark on his relationships within the team.
"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," Thomas once reflected on his approach during this period.
Champion Performance
Despite the off-field controversies, Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that year and played a pivotal role in the Cowboys securing their sixth consecutive division title. His playoff performance was nothing short of stellar, with three touchdowns across three games, including a key 3-yard touchdown run in Super Bowl VI.
In that championship game, Thomas made 95 rushing yards on 19 carries and added three receptions, helping the Dallas Cowboys to a commanding 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Former teammate and Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach praised Thomas highly, stating, "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."
Post Dallas Career
The following year, the Cowboys released Thomas before the 1972 season commenced. He did not participate in that season but later joined the Washington team, where he spent two more seasons before retiring from the NFL. His career, though marked by a brief but tumultuous stint, left a lasting impression on the league and its history.
Reflecting on Thomas' playing style, Bob Lilly, renowned defensive tackle of the Cowboys, compared him to another NFL legend: "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."
Years after his football career had ended, Thomas continued to reflect on his achievements with a sense of deep pride. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he mused about his legacy and Super Bowl triumph.
Duane Thomas' journey through the NFL, characterized by brilliant on-field performances and significant off-field challenges, remains an enduring chapter in the annals of American football history. His contributions, particularly to the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl win, will forever be remembered by fans and fellow players alike.