Former Dallas Cowboys Running Back Duane Thomas Passes Away at 77

NFL fans and the sports community are mourning the loss of Duane Thomas, a former running back for the Dallas Cowboys, who has passed away at the age of 77. The Cowboys organization confirmed his death to Pro Football Talk and the Dallas Morning News. Remembered as a great asset to the team, Thomas made a significant impact during his NFL career.

Thomas began his football journey as a first-round draft pick of the Cowboys in the 1970 NFL draft after playing college football at West Texas A&M. In his rookie season, he showcased his talent by amassing 803 rushing yards and contributing five touchdowns. His exceptional performance propelled the Cowboys to Super Bowl V, where they narrowly missed out on victory against the Baltimore Colts.

Despite high hopes for his future with the Cowboys, Thomas found himself entangled in a contract dispute and faced a rocky relationship with head coach Tom Landry. As a result, he was traded in 1971 but the trade was later voided by then-NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. Thomas eventually returned to the Cowboys, embracing a vow of silence as he focused on his game.

During his second season with the Cowboys, Thomas led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, reaching an impressive 11. His total rushing yards for that year amounted to 793. Breaking his silence before Super Bowl VI against the Miami Dolphins, Thomas famously questioned the significance of the ultimate game by stating, "If it's the ultimate, how come they're playing it again next year?" He backed up his words with a stellar performance, contributing 95 rushing yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys' 24-3 victory.

Nevertheless, Thomas's accomplishments on the field did not seem to alter the perception of him within the league. He was subsequently traded to the San Diego Chargers, but failed to report to training camp. His journey continued with a stint with the Washington Redskins, where he played for two seasons, compiling 442 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 24 games.

In 1976, Thomas sought to revive his career with the Cowboys for a second time but was ultimately waived before the season began. He later attempted to make a comeback in both the Canadian Football League and with the Green Bay Packers, but unfortunately did not see any regular-season action.

Reflecting on his football career in a 2004 interview with the Houston Chronicle, Thomas emphasized the value of setting and accomplishing goals, as well as the importance of camaraderie, teamwork, and overcoming adversity. Despite the controversies and differences he faced during his playing days, Thomas found inner peace and cherished the meaningful aspects of the game.

Duane Thomas will be remembered as a remarkable talent who played a vital role in the success of the Dallas Cowboys. His contributions on the field and his enduring love for the sport will forever be etched in football history. The NFL community mourns the loss of this great athlete, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.