Remembering Duane Thomas: A Legacy in the NFL
The football world mourns the loss of Duane Thomas, a former NFL running back who passed away at the age of 77. Thomas's career, particularly with the Dallas Cowboys, left an indelible mark on the league and fans alike.
Thomas's journey in the NFL started with a bang, as he delivered one of the most remarkable rookie seasons in league history during the 1970 season. His exceptional performance continued into the 1971 offseason, underlining his emerging stardom. His contributions were pivotal to the Dallas Cowboys' pursuit of their first Super Bowl championship.
During the 1971 season, Thomas achieved a league-best average of 5.3 yards per carry, a franchise record that went unmatched until Emmitt Smith achieved the same in 1993. His prowess on the field didn't go unnoticed, as he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns that season.
Despite his undeniable talent, Thomas's time with the Cowboys was not without controversy. As he entered the 1971 season, Thomas sought a well-deserved pay raise. However, the team's management was unwilling to meet his demands, resulting in a contentious standoff.
The dispute led to Thomas being traded to the New England Patriots. However, the trade was vetoed by NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, resulting in Thomas's return to Dallas. Upon his return, Thomas chose to remain silent throughout the entire 1971 season, a unusual stance that added to his mystique.
Despite his silence off the field, Thomas's performance on the field was anything but quiet. His contributions helped the Cowboys secure their sixth consecutive division title. As the playoffs began, Thomas's impact was undeniable. He scored three touchdowns across three playoff games, including a significant performance in Super Bowl VI.
In Super Bowl VI, Thomas's hard-running style was on full display. He amassed 95 rushing yards on 19 carries, scored a 3-yard touchdown run, and added three receptions. His efforts were instrumental in the Cowboys' 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins, cementing their place in NFL history.
However, Thomas's time with the Cowboys was short-lived. The team released him before the 1972 season began, and he chose not to participate in that year's NFL season. Eventually, Thomas joined the Washington team, where he spent two more seasons before retiring from professional football.
Reflecting on his legacy decades later, Thomas's former teammates often spoke highly of his abilities and contributions. Roger Staubach, a former Cowboys quarterback, said, "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." Staubach's words encapsulate the respect Thomas commanded among his peers.
Bob Lilly, another legendary Cowboy, compared Thomas to the great Jim Brown, saying, "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 reflected on the turbulent aspects of his career and his complex personality, saying, "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." His words provide a nuanced understanding of his time in the limelight and the challenges he faced.
In terms of his career accomplishments, Thomas expressed a sense of incompleteness but immense pride, stating, "It's a sense of accomplishment that ... like I haven't had anything to replace it yet." His words echo the sentiments of many athletes who reach the pinnacle of their sport and find it challenging to replicate that sense of achievement off the field.
Duane Thomas's legacy as a key player in the Dallas Cowboys' early success and his significant contributions to the NFL will be remembered for years to come. His unique personality, combined with his undeniable talent, left an unforgettable mark on professional football.