Duane Thomas, a legendary figure in NFL history, has passed away at the age of 77. Known for his extraordinary talent and his role on the Dallas Cowboys’ first Super Bowl championship team, Thomas leaves behind a legacy that has continued to influence the sport.
Thomas burst onto the scene during the 1971 season, delivering one of the standout rookie performances in NFL history. He entered the 1971 offseason following a remarkable debut that saw him lead the league with an impressive 5.3 yards-per-carry average. This remarkable achievement set a franchise record that remained unbroken until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993.
A Star On The Rise
As the Cowboys geared up for the 1971 season, Thomas sought a pay raise reflective of his contributions. However, his request was met with resistance from the team’s management. This conflict led to his controversial trade to the New England Patriots, a move that was ultimately vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Thomas returned to Dallas but chose to remain silent throughout the entire 1971 season.
Despite the off-field drama, Thomas’ on-field performance spoke volumes. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that season, playing a crucial role in securing the Cowboys' sixth consecutive division title. His postseason contributions were equally significant, with Thomas scoring three touchdowns across three playoff games, including Super Bowl VI.
Super Bowl VI Heroics
In the Cowboys’ dominant 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI, Thomas showcased his talents with 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, a 3-yard touchdown run, and three receptions. His performance was key to the team’s triumph, underscoring his invaluable role in the squad’s success.
Reflecting on Thomas' profound impact, Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach noted, "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." Adding to this, defensive tackle Bob Lilly compared Thomas’ prowess to that of the legendary Jim Brown: "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."
Post-Championship Career
However, Thomas’ relationship with the Cowboys was a complicated one. The team released him before the 1972 season began. Thomas chose not to participate in the NFL that year, creating a void in the Cowboys’ lineup.
He later joined the Washington Redskins, where he spent two seasons before retiring from professional football. Reflecting on the disruptions during his time with the Cowboys, Thomas remarked, "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."
Legacy and Reflection
Nearly 35 years after his Super Bowl win, Thomas found himself reflecting on his legacy and the unparalleled sense of achievement his career brought him. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet,” he stated, acknowledging the enduring significance of his contributions to the sport and his personal sense of triumph.
Duane Thomas will be remembered not only for his athleticism and skill on the field but also for his complex, at times contentious, but ultimately impactful career. The memories he created and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.