It is with a heavy heart that the sporting world bids farewell to Duane Thomas, the former NFL running back, who has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas was a stellar figure in the sport, whose contributions on the field were instrumental in the Dallas Cowboys clinching their first Super Bowl championship. His prowess and determination have etched his name in the annals of NFL history.
The Rise of a Star
Thomas burst onto the NFL scene with a rookie season that remains one of the most remarkable in the league's history. As the 1971 offseason rolled around, Thomas had already showcased his capabilities as a dynamic running back. His impact was immediate and profound—a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average helped ferry the Cowboys to their inaugural Super Bowl appearance.
Yet, behind the scenes, Thomas faced challenges that extended beyond the football field. Seeking a pay raise ahead of the 1971 season, he found himself at odds with the Cowboys' management, resulting in tension that led to his brief trade to New England. However, the move was vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, and Thomas returned to Dallas. Despite the turmoil, his performance on the field never wavered.
Key Contributions to Dallas Victory
Throughout the 1971 season, Thomas' silence off the field contrasted sharply with his loud performance on it. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, powering the Cowboys to their sixth consecutive division title. During the playoffs, he was a force to be reckoned with, scoring three touchdowns across the games that culminated in Dallas' Super Bowl VI victory over the Miami Dolphins.
In the championship game, Thomas dazzled with 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, including a 3-yard touchdown run, and added three receptions to his stellar performance. The Cowboys triumphed 24-3, a victory that would have been unattainable without Thomas' undeniable talent and drive.
Peers on Thomas’ Legacy
Thomas' colleagues, who witnessed his greatness firsthand, have always spoken glowingly of his abilities. Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach once remarked, "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." Similarly, Bob Lilly, another Cowboys legend, drew comparisons between Thomas and 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 said, illustrating the profound impression Thomas left on his teammates.
Departure from Dallas and Beyond
Despite his contributions, Thomas' time with the Cowboys came to an abrupt end before the 1972 season began, leading to his release from the team. He did not participate in the 1972 NFL season, a decision that left fans and players alike yearning for his presence on the field. His journey in professional football concluded with the Washington team, where he spent two seasons before retiring from the NFL.
Reflecting on his career many years later, Thomas acknowledged the unique place his Super Bowl victory held in his life, stating, "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet." For Thomas, the achievements and the highs of his football career remained unmatched by any subsequent endeavors.
Thomas' reflections also conveyed a deeper understanding of his role within the team dynamics. He once 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.” This sentiment encapsulates the complex nature of his interactions within the team and the broader sporting community.
As we commemorate the life and career of Duane Thomas, we are reminded of his extraordinary talent and the indelible mark he left on the NFL. His legacy is not just preserved in records and Super Bowl victories, but in the memories of those who saw him play and the teammates who revered him. Duane Thomas will always be remembered as a pivotal figure in the Cowboys' history and in the broader tapestry of American football.