Duane Thomas, a former NFL running back remembered both for his exceptional talent and complex personality, has died at the age of 77. Thomas, who played a crucial role in the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship, left an indelible mark on the sport despite a career filled with ups and downs.
A Pivotal Player for the Cowboys
Thomas joined the Cowboys in 1970 and immediately made a significant impact, delivering one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history as he headed into the 1971 offseason. He became instrumental in helping the Cowboys reach their inaugural Super Bowl, boasting a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average—a franchise record that remained unbeaten until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993.
Despite his on-field success, Thomas sought a pay raise as the 1971 season approached. When the Cowboys' management refused to concede, the tension between the team and their star player escalated. This disagreement ultimately led to Thomas being traded to the New England Patriots, a move that was later vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle.
Silent but Determined
Upon returning to Dallas for the 1971 season, Thomas adopted a vow of silence, refraining from speaking to the media or his teammates. Nevertheless, his actions on the field spoke volumes. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during the 1971 season, propelling the Cowboys to their sixth consecutive division title.
During the playoffs, Thomas demonstrated his value by scoring three touchdowns across three games, including in Super Bowl VI. In that pivotal game, he rushed for 95 yards on 19 carries, scored a 3-yard touchdown run, and made three receptions. His contributions were instrumental as the Cowboys triumphed over the Miami Dolphins with a commanding 24-3 victory.
A Lone Departure
Despite his contributions, the Cowboys released Thomas before the 1972 season started. He did not participate in the 1972 NFL season, marking a surprising end to his tenure with the team. Thomas later joined the Washington football team, where he played for two seasons before retiring from the NFL.
Legacy Reflections
Almost 35 years after winning the Super Bowl, Thomas reflected on his career and its lasting impact. "Duane Thomas gave everything he had," former Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach noted. "He blocked hard, he ran hard, he played hard, and he was very smart. Duane rarely made a mistake."
Cowboys' legend Bob Lilly also reminisced about Thomas’ unique skill set: "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."
For Thomas, his personality and approach to the game left a complex legacy. "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," he once said.
Reflecting on his career, Thomas expressed a lingering sense of pride: "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet." Indeed, his contributions to the Cowboys' early success and the memories he created for fans and teammates alike remain irreplaceable.
Despite the turbulent aspects of his career, Duane Thomas' story is one of undeniable talent and resilience. His impact on the NFL and the legacy he left with the Dallas Cowboys will not be forgotten.