Duane Thomas’s Role in the Dallas Cowboys’ Dynasty

August 9, 2024

In an era when football players were becoming household names, one enigmatic figure stood out for his silence as much as his on-field prowess. Duane Thomas, the mercurial running back who helped propel the Dallas Cowboys to their first Super Bowl victory, has passed away at 77. For those of us who remember the glory days of America’s Team, Thomas’s death marks the end of an era – a time when grit, determination, and a little bit of rebellion defined the sport we love.

The Rise of a Superstar

Duane Thomas burst onto the NFL scene when the Dallas Cowboys selected him in the first round of the 1970 draft. His rookie season showed promise, but it was in 1971 that Thomas truly made his mark.

“Playing in 11 games, 10 as a starter, in the 1971 season, Thomas rushed for 793 yards and a league-leading 11 touchdowns.”

Thomas’s performance was crucial in propelling the Cowboys to Super Bowl VI, where he rushed for 95 yards and scored a touchdown in a dominant 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. This performance cemented his place in Cowboys lore and marked the beginning of a dynasty.

A Complicated Legacy

Despite his on-field success, Thomas’s relationship with the Cowboys organization was tumultuous. He famously called coach Tom Landry a “plastic man” and engaged in contract disputes that led to him being traded to the New England Patriots before the 1971 season. However, Thomas refused to report, and the trade was voided by then-Commissioner Pete Rozelle.

“If it’s the ultimate [game], how come they’re playing it again next year?” – Duane Thomas

This quote, in response to a question about the Super Bowl, exemplifies Thomas’s unconventional approach to the sport and media relations. He refused to speak to reporters for the entire 1971 season, believing they had sided with management in his contract disputes.

The Final Years

After his Super Bowl triumph, Thomas’s NFL career took a series of unexpected turns. He was traded to the San Diego Chargers but never played for them, sitting out the 1972 season. He eventually finished his career with the Washington Redskins in 1973-74.

“Thomas never showed up for training camp with San Diego and was sent to Washington. Thomas didn’t play in 1972 before spending the other two of his four pro seasons with Washington.”

Despite his relatively short career, Thomas’s impact on the Cowboys and the NFL as a whole was significant. He helped establish the Cowboys as a dominant force in the league and paved the way for future success.

In the end, Duane Thomas’s legacy is one of both triumph and controversy. His on-field performances were instrumental in the Cowboys’ rise to prominence, while his off-field behavior challenged the norms of professional sports. As we remember his contributions to America’s Team, we’re reminded of a time when athletes weren’t afraid to speak their minds – or in Thomas’s case, choose not to speak at all.