Duane Thomas, the former Dallas Cowboys running back known for his pivotal role in the team’s first Super Bowl victory, has sadly passed away at the age of 77.
The news of his death was reported by the Dallas Morning News, though the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Thomas’ former teammate, Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson, paid tribute to him on Facebook, stating, “The Great Duane Thomas passed away yesterday. He was a great Cowboy. On his comeback, he was one of my roommates in Thousand Oaks. Lots of laughs and moments. RIP DUANE THOMAS.”
Thomas made an immediate impact as a rookie in 1970, leading the Cowboys with 803 rushing yards and achieving two 100-yard performances in playoff games against the Lions and 49ers.
However, his relationship with Cowboys management soured after they refused to renegotiate his contract, leading him to famously describe head coach Tom Landry as a “plastic man.”
Initially traded to the New England Patriots, the deal was nullified by then-NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, bringing Thomas back to Dallas.
Thomas then chose not to speak to his teammates, coaches, or the media for the entire season.
Reflecting on his silence in 1988, he said, “I’m remembered for my silence. Everywhere I go, people say, ‘Why didn’t you say anything, Duane?’”
On the field, Thomas let his performance speak volumes in the 1971 season, leading the league with 11 rushing touchdowns and 13 total touchdowns.
He scored a touchdown in each of the Cowboys’ three postseason victories, including their decisive 24-3 win over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI, securing the team’s first Super Bowl title.
Following the Super Bowl victory, CBS broadcaster Tom Brookshier asked Thomas if he was as fast as he looked, to which Thomas famously replied, “Evidently.”
Sports Illustrated’s Paul Zimmerman later revealed that sportswriters almost unanimously voted for Thomas as the Super Bowl MVP, but quarterback Roger Staubach was named the recipient because he was expected to give a speech.
Thomas’ tenure with the Cowboys ended after that Super Bowl.
He was traded to the San Diego Chargers in 1972 but never played for the team after being suspended for failing to report. He then played two seasons with Washington and had a stint with The Hawaiians in the World Football League.
Subsequent attempts to revive his NFL career with the Cowboys and Packers were unsuccessful. In later years, a Sports Illustrated story in 2004 detailed Thomas working as a carpenter and mover.
Despite his tumultuous career, Thomas is remembered for his iconic comment on the Super Bowl: “If it’s the ultimate [game], how come they’re playing it again next year?”
RIP.