Duane Thomas: A Legacy Remembered
Duane Thomas, a former NFL running back renowned for his exceptional talent and memorable performances, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas' illustrious career with the Dallas Cowboys left an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport, particularly for his contributions to the Cowboys’ first Super Bowl championship team.
Joining the NFL as a rookie, Thomas quickly demonstrated his prowess on the field, delivering one of the most impressive rookie seasons in league history. As the 1971 offseason approached, Thomas was already a standout player, helping the Cowboys reach their first Super Bowl. His league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average set a franchise record, one that stood until Emmitt Smith equaled it in 1993.
However, Thomas' rising star was not without its challenges. Seeking a pay raise entering the 1971 season, Thomas found his request denied by the Cowboys' management, leading to significant tension. This disagreement culminated in a brief trade to the New England Patriots, an arrangement ultimately vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Despite the turmoil, Thomas returned to Dallas, choosing to remain silent throughout the entire 1971 season.
On the field, Thomas' performance remained unaffected. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during that season, propelling the Cowboys to their sixth consecutive division title. His exemplary play extended into the playoffs, where he recorded three touchdowns in three games, including a standout performance in Super Bowl VI. In that championship game, Thomas notched 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, added a 3-yard touchdown run, and made three crucial receptions, contributing significantly to the Cowboys' 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Despite his critical role in the Cowboys' success, Thomas' tenure with Dallas came to an abrupt end. Before the 1972 season commenced, the Cowboys released him. Thomas did not participate in the 1972 season, but eventually joined the Washington Redskins, where he spent two seasons before retiring from professional football.
Reflecting on his career nearly 35 years after that momentous Super Bowl victory, Thomas expressed a deep sense of achievement, recognizing the singular impact of his football career. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he remarked, underscoring the lasting legacy of his contributions on the field.
Thomas' former teammates and peers have often spoken highly of his skills and dedication. Roger Staubach, the legendary Cowboys quarterback, 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." This sentiment was echoed by Bob Lilly, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle, who drew comparisons between Thomas and another football great, 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," Lilly reflected.
For Thomas, his personality off the field was as notable as his accomplishments on it. While reflecting on his career, Thomas once commented, "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." This statement provides a glimpse into the complexities of Thomas' time with the Cowboys, highlighting the sometimes challenging but ultimately productive dynamic he had with his teammates.
Duane Thomas' legacy in the NFL is marked by his extraordinary talent and the critical role he played in the Cowboys' early successes. As the football world mourns his passing, fans and former colleagues alike will remember him not just for his impressive statistics and game-winning plays, but also for the unique and indomitable spirit he brought to the game.