Duane Thomas, the former Dallas Cowboys running back known for his pivotal role in the team’s first Super Bowl victory and for his enigmatic personality, died on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the age of 77. The Cowboys confirmed his passing, but the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Thomas emerged as a football prodigy. He played college football at West Texas State University before being selected by the Cowboys in the first round of the 1970 NFL Draft. His rookie season was remarkable; he rushed for 803 yards and earned the NFL Rookie of the Year title. Thomas was instrumental in the Cowboys’ journey to Super Bowl V, where they narrowly lost to the Baltimore Colts.
The 1971 season marked a high point in Thomas’s career. He led the NFL with 11 rushing touchdowns and helped secure the Cowboys’ first Super Bowl title with a 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. Thomas’s performance in that game, including 95 rushing yards and a touchdown, was vital to the Cowboys’ success. He became the first player to score a touchdown at Texas Stadium and earned a spot on the All-Pro team.
However, Thomas’s career was equally defined by controversy. Frustrated with his contract, he requested a renegotiation, which the Cowboys refused. This led to a trade to the New England Patriots, but then-NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle voided the trade, and Thomas returned to the Cowboys. Throughout the 1971 season, Thomas refused to speak to his teammates, coaches, or the media, which added to his mystique.
Teammates were impressed by Thomas’s skill and determination. Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach noted that Thomas was an all-out player, excelling in blocking, running, and playing smartly, with few mistakes. Bob Lilly, another Cowboys legend, compared Thomas to Jim Brown, highlighting Thomas’s ability to evade defenders with similar elusive moves.
Despite his on-field success, Thomas’s relationship with the Cowboys deteriorated. He was traded to the San Diego Chargers before the 1972 season but refused to report, leading to his suspension. Thomas eventually joined the Washington Redskins, where he played two seasons before retiring from the NFL with 2,038 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.
Thomas’s legacy is complex. He remains a symbol of talent and individuality, remembered for his contributions to the Cowboys’ success and his refusal to conform to the norms of professional football. His story resonates with those who appreciate the intricate relationship between talent and personality in sports.
