From Rookie to Legend: Duane Thomas’s NFL Journey

A Controversial Star’s Final Whistle

Well, folks, it seems the NFL’s original “bad boy” has finally hung up his cleats for good. Duane Thomas, the enigmatic Dallas Cowboys running back who helped secure America’s Team’s first Super Bowl victory, has passed away at 77. In an era when players knew their place and kept their mouths shut, Thomas was a thorn in the side of the establishment – and boy, did we love him for it. But let’s cut the chit-chat and get down to the nitty-gritty of this legend’s journey.

The Rise of a Cowboy

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. Despite a tumultuous relationship with the team’s management, Thomas led the league with 11 touchdowns and rushed for 793 yards in just 11 games.

Duane Thomas, a former running back who helped the Dallas Cowboys win their first Super Bowl, has died. He was 77. https://t.co/GqlH5pLiEK

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) August 7, 2024

The pinnacle of Thomas’s career came in Super Bowl VI, where he played a crucial role in the Cowboys’ 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Thomas rushed for 95 yards and scored a touchdown, cementing his place in Cowboys history.

A Career Marked by Controversy

Thomas’s NFL journey was far from smooth sailing. His relationship with the Cowboys was fraught with tension, including contract disputes and a memorable incident where he referred to coach Tom Landry as a “plastic man.” This rebellious attitude extended to the media as well.

“Thomas refused to talk to reporters the entire 1971 season because he believed they had taken management’s side” – CBS News

Despite his on-field success, Thomas’s off-field antics led to a series of trades and missed opportunities. He was briefly traded to the New England Patriots before the 1971 season, but the deal was voided when he refused to report. After the 1971 season, he was traded to the San Diego Chargers but didn’t play for them either.

The Final Chapter

Thomas eventually finished his NFL career with the Washington Redskins, playing in the 1973 and 1974 seasons. Despite his relatively short career, Thomas left an indelible mark on the NFL and the Dallas Cowboys franchise.

“I slept six feet from him and he didn’t have much to say. He was a peaceful man.” – Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson

While Thomas may have been a firebrand on the field and in contract negotiations, those who knew him personally paint a picture of a quiet and peaceful man off the field. His legacy as a player who challenged the status quo and helped bring the Cowboys their first Super Bowl victory will long be remembered by fans and teammates alike.