Remembering Duane Thomas: A Key Figure in Dallas Cowboys History
Duane Thomas, the former NFL running back whose exceptional talent and turbulent career left an indelible mark on professional football, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas's legacy, especially his contributions to the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship, remains a significant chapter in NFL history.
The Rise of a Star
Entering the 1971 offseason, Thomas delivered one of the best rookie performances in NFL history. His ability to power through defenses was crucial in propelling the Cowboys to their inaugural Super Bowl. His league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average set a franchise record that stood until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993. Thomas's explosive plays and consistency on the field earned him a reputation as one of the premier running backs of his time.
The path to greatness, however, wasn't without its challenges. As Thomas sought a pay raise entering the 1971 season, a disagreement with the Cowboys' management led to him being traded to New England. The move was vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, and Thomas found himself back in Dallas, where he remained silent throughout the 1971 season.
Despite the internal conflicts, Thomas's performance didn't waver. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that season and played a pivotal role in helping the Cowboys clinch their sixth consecutive division title. His efforts in the postseason were nothing short of remarkable. Thomas scored three touchdowns across three playoff games, including a standout performance in Super Bowl VI.
A Super Bowl Hero
In Super Bowl VI, Thomas's prowess was on full display. He amassed 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, including a 3-yard touchdown run, and made three receptions. His contributions were integral in the Cowboys' decisive 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. This performance cemented his place in Super Bowl history and solidified his role in the Cowboys' success.
Reflecting on Thomas's impact, legendary quarterback Roger Staubach 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." Such accolades from teammates underscore Thomas's importance to the team's success during a historic period.
Post-Super Bowl Journey
Despite his on-field success, Thomas's tenure with the Cowboys came to an abrupt end when the team released him before the 1972 season began. Opting not to participate in the 1972 NFL season, Thomas later joined Washington, where he spent two seasons before retiring from the NFL. His career, though marked by its brevity and moments of controversy, left an undeniable imprint on the game.
Reflecting on his legacy nearly 35 years after winning the Super Bowl, Thomas 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." His words offer a glimpse into the complex dynamic between his personal character and his professional contributions.
Thomas's former teammate, Bob Lilly, echoed the sentiment of Thomas's extraordinary skill. "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."
Legacy and Reflection
Thomas's career remains a story of extraordinary talent intersecting with personal challenges. Yet, his contributions to the Cowboys' first Super Bowl triumph and his prowess on the field have left an enduring legacy. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," Thomas once said, capturing the singular achievement of winning the Super Bowl that defined much of his professional and personal narrative.
As the NFL community mourns the loss of Duane Thomas, his story continues to serve as a testament to the highs and lows of professional sports, and the lasting impact a player can have on a franchise and its history.