Duane Thomas, a name synonymous with the early successes of the Dallas Cowboys, has passed away at the age of 77. His career, while marked by undeniable talent and unique personality, remains a testament to the impact he had on the NFL, particularly during his time with the Cowboys.
A Star is Born
Thomas burst onto the scene with one of the most memorable rookie seasons in NFL history as he prepared for the 1971 offseason. His incredible performance helped the Cowboys clinch their first Super Bowl title. With a league-best average of 5.3 yards per carry, Thomas set a franchise record that lasted until Emmitt Smith matched the feat in 1993. His prowess on the field quickly became evident, helping Dallas reach its inaugural Super Bowl appearance.
His contributions were instrumental in the Cowboys securing their sixth consecutive division title, cementing his legacy with the team. Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during the 1971 season, an achievement that underscored his importance to the Cowboys' offensive strategy.
Silent but Golden Performance
Despite seeking a pay raise entering the 1971 season, Thomas found himself at odds with team management, leading to a trade to New England. However, this move was vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, and Thomas returned to Dallas. Choosing to remain silent for the entire season, Thomas let his performance on the field speak volumes.
In Dallas' playoff run, Thomas scored three touchdowns across three games, including a noteworthy performance in Super Bowl VI. His 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, a 3-yard touchdown run, and three receptions were pivotal as the Cowboys defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-3.
A Controversial Figure
Thomas' time in Dallas came to an abrupt end when the Cowboys released him before the 1972 season. Opting not to participate in the 1972 NFL season, Thomas eventually joined Washington, where he spent two seasons before retiring from the NFL. Reflecting on his legacy nearly 35 years after winning the Super Bowl, Thomas remained a figure of intrigue and admiration.
Renowned Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach once said, "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." Staubach's words highlight the unparalleled dedication and intelligence Thomas brought to the game, qualities that made him a formidable player on the field.
Legacy Remembered
Thomas' teammate Bob Lilly shared similar sentiments, stating, "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 himself acknowledged the unique dichotomy of his personality and its impact on the team, saying, "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." His reflections provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the athlete, an individual who was both complex and integral to the Cowboys' success.
As the NFL community mourns the loss of Duane Thomas, his legacy as a key player in the Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship team remains firmly etched in the annals of sports history. His career, filled with highlights and memorable moments, serves as a reminder of his significant contributions to the game.
"It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," Thomas once remarked, capturing the profound impact of his career achievements. With his passing, the world of football honors a player who embodied talent, resilience, and a spirit that will be remembered for generations to come.