Duane Thomas, the enigmatic former NFL running back and a key figure in the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl victory, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas’ career, though turbulent, left an indelible mark in the annals of NFL history.
A Rookie Sensation
Thomas burst onto the NFL scene and immediately etched his name in the league's record books with one of the most outstanding rookie seasons. Entering the 1971 offseason, he had already shown his prowess by helping the Cowboys reach their inaugural Super Bowl. His remarkable 5.3 yards-per-carry average led the league and set a franchise record that stood until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993.
Contract Dispute and Silent Protest
However, despite his on-field heroics, Thomas’ journey with the Cowboys was not without controversy. Seeking a pay raise entering the 1971 season, Thomas found himself at odds with the team's management, which ultimately denied his request. This dispute led to Thomas being traded to the New England Patriots, a move that was then vetoed by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. Returning to Dallas, Thomas took a vow of silence, refusing to speak to the media or even his teammates throughout the season. Nevertheless, his silence did not hamper his performance on the field.
Leading the League
During the 1971 season, Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and played a crucial role in securing the Cowboys' sixth consecutive division title. His playoff performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring three touchdowns across three games, including a crucial touchdown in Super Bowl VI. In that Super Bowl, he amassed 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, along with a 3-yard touchdown run and three receptions, leading the Cowboys to a commanding 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Reflecting on Thomas’ contributions, former Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach noted, "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."
Exit from Dallas
Despite his incredible contributions, the Cowboys released Thomas before the start of the 1972 season. Thomas did not participate in the NFL that year, but he joined the Washington Football Team later and spent two seasons with them before retiring from the league.
The respect Thomas commanded among his peers was evident. "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," said Bob Lilly, reflecting on Thomas' playing style. "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."
A Complex Legacy
Thomas himself acknowledged the impact of his personality on his career. "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," he said in retrospection.
Even decades after his NFL triumphs, the sense of accomplishment Thomas felt remained unmatched. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he reflected nearly 35 years after winning the Super Bowl.
While Thomas' career was marked by both brilliance and controversy, his contributions to the game and the legacy he left behind continue to be remembered by fans and former teammates alike. In the history of the NFL, few players have left as complex and lasting an impression as Duane Thomas.