Legacy of a Legend: Remembering Duane Thomas
The world of football mourns the loss of Duane Thomas, a former NFL running back, who has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas, who played a pivotal role in the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl championship, leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Thomas burst onto the scene with one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history, leading the Cowboys to their inaugural Super Bowl with an impressive 5.3 yards-per-carry average—a franchise record that remained unchallenged until Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993. Entering the 1971 offseason, his performance on the field was matched by his ambitions off it. Seeking a pay raise from the Cowboys, Thomas found himself at odds with team management.
The disagreement ultimately led to his brief trade to New England, a move that was subsequently vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Despite the turmoil, Thomas returned to Dallas and remained silent through the entire 1971 season. His silence on and off the field was striking, but it did nothing to hinder his performance. Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns during the season, proving his worth to the team.
Thomas' contributions were instrumental in helping the Cowboys secure their sixth consecutive division title. His playoff performance was nothing short of spectacular, scoring three touchdowns across three games, including a critical score in Super Bowl VI.
Super Bowl VI saw Thomas at his best. He amassed 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, added a 3-yard touchdown run, and made three receptions. His efforts helped the Cowboys clinch a 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins, cementing their place in football history. Despite his invaluable contributions, the Cowboys released Thomas before the 1972 season began.
The release marked a turning point in Thomas' career. He did not participate in the 1972 NFL season but later joined Washington, where he spent two seasons before retiring from the NFL. Reflecting on his career almost 35 years after his Super Bowl triumph, Thomas spoke of a "sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet."
Thomas' former teammates and contemporaries remember him fondly. Roger Staubach, a Cowboys legend himself, 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." This sentiment was echoed by Bob Lilly, another Hall of Famer, who said, "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 had a unique perspective on his role and the controversies he faced. "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 once remarked. His complex character and immense talent made him a unique figure in NFL history.
As the football community reflects on the life and career of Duane Thomas, it is clear that his legacy will endure. His contributions to the sport, particularly during his time with the Dallas Cowboys, set a standard for performance and professionalism that continues to inspire. While Thomas may be gone, his impact on the game of football will be remembered for generations to come.