Duane Thomas, whose explosive presence on the field redefined the running back position, has passed away at the age of 77. A cornerstone for the Dallas Cowboys during a crucial period, Thomas helped propel the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory, solidifying his legacy in NFL history.
An Unforgettable Rookie Season
Entering the 1971 offseason, Thomas was already making waves with a rookie season that ranks among the best in the sport's storied history. He recorded a league-leading 5.3 yards-per-carry average, a franchise record for the Cowboys that stood until Emmitt Smith matched the feat in 1993. This outstanding performance underscored his tremendous skill and hinted at the broader impact he was poised to have on the game.
Contract Dispute and Controversial Trade
Despite his on-field successes, Thomas' tenure with the Cowboys was marred by a significant dispute with team management. Seeking a pay raise entering the 1971 season, Thomas found himself at an impasse when the team declined to meet his demands. The resulting standoff saw Thomas being traded to the New England Patriots, a move ultimately vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. The season that followed would see Thomas adopt a silent protest, refraining from speaking publicly but continuing to lead by example on the field.
The 1971 Season: A Silent Domination
Thomas' refusal to speak did nothing to diminish his impact on the field during the 1971 season. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, a testament to his continued dominance. Helping the Cowboys to their sixth consecutive division title, Thomas was instrumental in their playoff run, scoring three touchdowns across three games, including Super Bowl VI. In that pivotal game, Thomas recorded 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, added a 3-yard touchdown run, and contributed three receptions, leading the Cowboys to a 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Unexpected Exit and Brief Return
Despite his outstanding contributions, the Cowboys released Thomas before the 1972 season commenced. He did not participate in that season, marking an abrupt pause in what had been a meteoric rise. Thomas would later join the Washington Football Team, spending two seasons with them before retiring from the NFL. Reflecting on his legacy nearly 35 years after his Super Bowl triumph, Thomas remarked on the enduring sense of accomplishment he derived from his career, a sentiment shared by many fans and players alike.
Lasting Impressions
The sentiments of his teammates alongside him during his career paint a clear picture of Thomas' impact. Roger Staubach, a legendary quarterback, summed it up eloquently: "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."
Bob Lilly, another iconic figure in Cowboys' lore, echoed those feelings, drawing comparisons to another NFL great: "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."
Thomas himself acknowledged the complexities he brought to the team dynamics: "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." These words encapsulate the enigmatic yet essential role Thomas played.
Duane Thomas' legacy extends beyond the records and statistics. His career was a vivid tapestry of fierce talent, unyielding dedication, and distinctive personality. As the football world mourns his passing, it also celebrates the indelible mark he left on the game, a testament to a player who lived and breathed football with an unmatched intensity.