On Sunday, August 4, 2024, Duane Thomas, a former Dallas Cowboys running back famed for his crucial role in the team’s inaugural Super Bowl win and his peculiar persona, passed away at the age of 77. His death was confirmed by the Cowboys. He died of a pulmonary embolism
Thomas, a Dallas, Texas native, showed an early aptitude for football. His college career at West Texas State University led to his first-round selection by the Cowboys in the 1970 NFL Draft. His first professional season was noteworthy, rushing for 803 yards and securing the NFL Rookie of the Year award. He played a key role in the Cowboys’ run to Super Bowl V, where they ultimately fell to the Baltimore Colts.
In 1971, Thomas’s career saw a significant peak. He led the NFL with 11 rushing touchdowns, playing an instrumental role in the Cowboys’ first Super Bowl triumph — a 24-3 win over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. His performance, which included 95 rushing yards and a touchdown, was critical to the Cowboys’ win. Thomas became the first player to score a touchdown at Texas Stadium and secured a place on the All-Pro team.
However, Thomas’s career was also marked by disputes. After demanding a contract renegotiation, which the Cowboys rejected, he was traded to the New England Patriots. However, the then-NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle invalidated the trade, prompting Thomas’s return to the Cowboys. During the 1971 season, Thomas chose not to communicate with his teammates, coaches, or the media, adding to his enigmatic reputation.
Despite these issues, Thomas’s talent and drive impressed his colleagues. Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach praised Thomas as a full-on player, who was adept at blocking, running, and smart play with minimal errors. Bob Lilly, another Cowboys legend, likened Thomas to Jim Brown, emphasizing Thomas’s knack for eluding defenders with comparable agility.
Despite his achievements on the field, Thomas’s relationship with the Cowboys soured. He was traded to the San Diego Chargers before the 1972 season, but he didn’t report, resulting in his suspension. Thomas eventually moved to the Washington Redskins, where he played for two seasons before retiring with 2,038 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.
The legacy of Thomas is multifaceted. He is remembered as a symbol of talent and individuality, not just for his contributions to the Cowboys’ victories, but also for his defiance of professional football norms. His narrative continues to resonate with those who value the complex interplay between talent and personality in sports.
