Duane Thomas, a name that reverberated through the NFL during the early '70s, has passed away at the age of 77. As a former running back, Thomas carved out a legacy that left an indelible mark on the Dallas Cowboys and professional football.
A Star is Born
Duane Thomas arrived on the scene with an impact that few rookies ever achieve. In the 1970 season, he delivered one of the most impressive rookie campaigns in NFL history, proving to be pivotal for the Dallas Cowboys. Thomas' contribution was instrumental in guiding the team to their first Super Bowl appearance.
During the 1971 offseason, Thomas sought a pay raise from the Cowboys, recognized for his league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average—a franchise record that would remain untouched until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993. However, the management's refusal to concede led to a notable conflict. Thomas was subsequently traded to New England, only for the move to be vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.
The Silent Season
Returning to Dallas, Thomas adopted an uncharacteristic silence throughout the entire 1971 season, refusing to speak to the media or his teammates. Despite this, his performance on the field was anything but silent. Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, underlining his value to the team’s accomplishments. As Roger Staubach, the Cowboys’ legendary quarterback, reflected, "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."
Thomas' prowess was a key component in the Cowboys securing their sixth consecutive division title. His standout performances continued into the playoffs, where he scored three critical touchdowns across the playoff games, including Super Bowl VI. In the ultimate showdown, Thomas rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries, scored a 3-yard touchdown, and contributed with three receptions, helping the Cowboys clinch a 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
After the Super Bowl Triumph
Despite his significant contributions, Thomas' time with the Cowboys came to an abrupt end before the 1972 season began. The team released him, and Thomas did not participate in the 1972 NFL season. He later joined the Washington team, where he spent two unremarkable seasons before retiring from professional football.
Reflecting on a Storied Career
Thomas’ career, though marred by conflicts and controversies, left an enduring legacy. Over three decades after his Super Bowl victory, Thomas took time to reflect on his contributions and legacy. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he admitted, acknowledging the profound impact of his football career on his life.
Bob Lilly, another Cowboys great, perhaps encapsulated Thomas’ brilliance best when he said, "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."
Moreover, Thomas viewed his impact differently. Known for his enigmatic personality, he once stated, "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’ journey in the NFL is a reminder of the complexities that athletes often navigate both on and off the field. While his career may have had its share of tumult, his contributions to football, particularly to the Cowboys, remain indisputable. As the NFL world reflects on the life and career of Duane Thomas, it’s clear that his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.