Duane Thomas, the enigmatic former NFL running back who played a crucial role in the Dallas Cowboys' early Super Bowl success, has passed away at the age of 77. A player whose on-field brilliance often was overshadowed by his off-field controversies, Thomas left an indelible mark on the history of the NFL.
A Stellar Rookie Season
Thomas's entry into the NFL was nothing short of spectacular. During the 1971 offseason, he delivered one of the best rookie seasons in the league's history. His performance helped propel the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl appearance, posting a phenomenal 5.3 yards-per-carry average—a franchise record that stood until Emmitt Smith tied it in 1993. His ability to break tackles and wriggle out of tight spots made him a fan favorite and a menace for defensive lines across the league.
"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," said Roger Staubach, his teammate and legendary Cowboys quarterback. Echoing these sentiments, Hall of Famer Bob Lilly remarked, "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."
Contract Disputes and Silence
Despite his stellar performance, Thomas's relationship with Cowboys management was fraught with tension. Entering the 1971 season, Thomas sought a pay raise—a request that the team management refused. This disagreement led to Thomas being traded to the New England Patriots, a move that was later vetoed by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. Consequently, Thomas spent the entire 1971 season in silence, not speaking to the media or his teammates.
A Key Contributor to Super Bowl VI
Nonetheless, his silence did not affect his performance on the field. Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during the 1971 season, playing a pivotal role in helping the Cowboys secure their sixth consecutive division title. In the playoffs, he scored three touchdowns over three games, demonstrating his value when it mattered most. His performance in Super Bowl VI was nothing short of heroic. Thomas accumulated 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, scored a 3-yard touchdown run, and made three receptions, helping the Cowboys secure a resounding 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Reflecting on his own legacy years later, Thomas candidly shared, "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."
The Road After Dallas
Despite his contributions to the Cowboys' success, Thomas's time with the team came to an abrupt end when he was released before the 1972 season began. He did not participate in the 1972 NFL season, but would later join the Washington football team, where he spent two seasons before retiring from the NFL.
Legacy and Reflection
Years after stepping away from professional football, Thomas reflected on the accomplishments of his career, particularly the sense of fulfillment that came from winning the Super Bowl. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he noted, emphasizing the unique and enduring pride he felt from his time with the Cowboys.
Duane Thomas may have had a career marked by both brilliance and conflict, but his legacy as one of the key figures in the Cowboys' earliest successes remains unquestionable. His unique style and undeniable talent continue to be remembered by football enthusiasts and former teammates alike.