Remembering Duane Thomas: A Pivotal Force in Dallas Cowboys History
Duane Thomas, a former NFL running back renowned for his outstanding performances with the Dallas Cowboys, has passed away at the age of 77. His legacy, marked by perseverance and extraordinary talent, remains an indelible part of NFL history.
Thomas' journey to the NFL was impressive. He burst onto the scene with a remarkable rookie season, quickly establishing himself as a pivotal player for the Cowboys. As the 1971 offseason approached, he had already delivered one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history. His exceptional ability to find gaps in defenses made him an invaluable asset as the Cowboys chased their first Super Bowl title.
Thomas' contribution was most evident during the Cowboys' inaugural Super Bowl run. That season, he showcased his dominance by averaging a league-best 5.3 yards per carry, a franchise record that stood unchallenged until Emmitt Smith equaled it in 1993. This high-level performance was instrumental in helping the Cowboys secure their first Super Bowl appearance.
However, Thomas' journey wasn't without its challenges. Heading into the 1971 season, he sought a pay raise from the Cowboys. The team management, however, did not concede to his demands, leading to a significant disagreement. This standoff resulted in Thomas being traded to New England, only for the trade to be vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, forcing Thomas to return to Dallas.
Upon his return, Thomas maintained an enigmatic silence throughout the entire 1971 season. Despite this, his on-field performance remained stellar. He led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that year and played a quintessential role in helping the Cowboys clinch their sixth consecutive division title. During Dallas' playoff run, Thomas scored three touchdowns across three games, including a crucial touchdown in Super Bowl VI.
In the climactic battle of Super Bowl VI, Thomas delivered a masterful performance, rushing for 95 yards on 19 carries, scoring a three-yard touchdown, and making three receptions. His efforts culminated in the Cowboys' decisive 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins, solidifying their claim to the championship.
Despite his contributions, Thomas' tenure with the Cowboys ended soon after. The team released him before the 1972 season began, and he chose not to participate in that year's NFL season at all. Later, he joined the Washington team, where he spent two seasons before retiring from professional football.
Reflecting on his legacy almost 35 years after his Super Bowl triumph, Thomas remained acutely aware of his impact. "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet," he remarked, hinting at the indelible mark his career left on him.
Thomas' former teammates hold him in high regard. Roger Staubach, the legendary Cowboys quarterback, spoke highly of Thomas' relentlessness and acumen on the field, noting, "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 Cowboys great, drew comparisons to NFL legend 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 reflected.
Despite the apparent personal conflicts, Thomas maintained that he never intended to disrupt the team. "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 explained, offering a glimpse into the complex dynamics of his relationship with the Cowboys.
Duane Thomas' contributions to the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL at large are immeasurable. His legacy, marked by extraordinary talent and an unwavering commitment to excellence, will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.