Remembering Duane Thomas: A Trailblazing Talent in NFL History
Duane Thomas, the former NFL running back renowned for his pivotal role in leading the Dallas Cowboys to their first Super Bowl championship, passed away at the age of 77. His legacy in the NFL remains indelible, marked by his outstanding rookie season and his integral contributions to the Cowboys' success in the early 1970s.
Thomas burst onto the NFL scene with a rookie season rarely matched in the league's history. Entering the 1971 offseason, he had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His 5.3 yards-per-carry average not only led the league but set a franchise record that stood until Emmitt Smith equaled it in 1993. This extraordinary feat was a critical component in helping the Cowboys reach their first Super Bowl.
Seeking a deserved pay raise entering the 1971 season, Thomas encountered resistance from the Cowboys' management. The resultant fallout led to an attempted trade to New England, a move that was ultimately blocked by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Despite the turmoil, Thomas returned to Dallas and played the 1971 season in complete silence, letting his performance on the field speak volumes.
And perform he did. Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during that tumultuous 1971 season, propelling the Cowboys to secure their sixth consecutive division title. In the playoffs, he showcased his undeniable talent, scoring three touchdowns across three games, including a pivotal performance in Super Bowl VI against the Miami Dolphins. His 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, a 3-yard touchdown run, and three receptions were instrumental in the Cowboys' 24-3 victory.
Roger Staubach, quarterback of the Cowboys during Thomas' tenure, aptly summarized his teammate's contributions: "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 stalwart of the Cowboys' defense, who compared Thomas' skills to those 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... Almost like music. In fact, I can see it right now."
However, Thomas' journey with the Cowboys came to an abrupt end before the 1972 season began when the team released him. He sat out for the entire season before eventually joining Washington, where he spent two more years before retiring from professional football. Reflecting on his career almost 35 years after his Super Bowl glory, Thomas expressed a sense of achievement in his NFL tenure that he had yet to replicate in other areas of his life. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he remarked.
Off the field, Thomas was known for his enigmatic personality. His words, "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," offer a glimpse into the complexities of his character and his impact on those around him.
Thomas' untimely passing marks the end of a chapter not just for the Cowboys, but for the entire NFL community. His contributions on the field, characterized by his agility, power, and acute football intelligence, left an indelible mark on the league. Today, as we reflect on his career and life, we remember a man whose athletic prowess and unique personality made him a standout figure in the world of professional football.
While his time in the NFL was relatively brief, Duane Thomas' legacy lives on through the memories of those who watched him play and the records he set. His performance in the Cowboys' inaugural Super Bowl victory ensured his place in the annals of football history, where he will be remembered not just as a player, but as a legend of the game.