Remembering an NFL Legend: Duane Thomas's Remarkable Journey
The NFL has lost one of its most enigmatic and talented players. Duane Thomas, a former running back whose contributions were instrumental to the Dallas Cowboys' early success, has passed away at the age of 77. Thomas's career, though short-lived, was marked by his exceptional prowess on the field and his complex relationship with team management.
Thomas's rookie season is still regarded as one of the best in NFL history. Entering the 1971 offseason, he had already made a name for himself with his extraordinary performance, which helped the Cowboys clinch their first Super Bowl. In that season, Thomas achieved a league-best 5.3 yards-per-carry average, a record that stood until the legendary Emmitt Smith matched it in 1993.
The offseason of 1971 saw Thomas seeking a pay raise from the Cowboys, a request that the team management did not accommodate. This disagreement led to a pending trade to New England, only to be vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, thereby ensuring Thomas's return to Dallas for the 1971 season. Despite the controversies, Thomas remained a silent but dominant presence on the field.
His performance during the 1971 season was nothing short of spectacular. Leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns, Thomas played a crucial role in securing the Cowboys' sixth consecutive division title. His postseason efforts were equally impressive, scoring three touchdowns across three playoff games, including Super Bowl VI. In that championship game, Thomas recorded 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, capped by a 3-yard touchdown run and three receptions, propelling the Cowboys to a 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Though his time with the Cowboys ended abruptly when he was released before the start of the 1972 season, Thomas's impact on the team and the league was indelible. He did not participate in the 1972 NFL season, instead joining Washington later and spending two additional seasons in the league before eventually retiring.
The memories of Duane Thomas's play are cherished by his former teammates. Roger Staubach recalled, "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." His sentiments were echoed by Bob Lilly, who reminisced, "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... Almost like music. In fact, I can see it right now."
Thomas himself reflected on his NFL journey with a sense of fulfillment, despite the controversies that marked 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 once remarked, indicating the complexity of his interactions within the team dynamics. Thomas further acknowledged, "It's a sense of accomplishment that... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet."
Duane Thomas's story is one of undeniable talent intertwined with challenges off the field. He leaves behind a legacy that is both inspiring and thought-provoking, reminding football fans of a player who, for a brief yet brilliant period, captivated the NFL with his extraordinary abilities and his unique individuality.