(StraightShooterNews.com) – Known for his key role in the team’s first Super Bowl win, former Dallas Cowboys running back Duane Thomas has sadly passеd away at the age of 77.
Thomas’ former teammatе, Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson, shared a tribute on Facebook.
“The Great Duane Thomas passed away yesterday. He was a great Cowboy. On his come back he was one of my roommates in Thousand Oaks. Lots of laughs and moments. RIP DUANE THOMAS,” Henderson posted.
In his rookie year of 1970, Thomas led the Cowboys with 803 rushing yards and delivered standout performances in the playoffs against the Lions and 49ers.
However, his relationship with the team became strained during the offseason after he refused to renegotiate his contract and controversially described head coach Tom Landry as a “plastic man.”
This led to his brief trade to the Patriots. However, then-NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle later nullified the move, forcing Thomas to return to Dallas.
Despitе this, he decided not to speak to teammates, coaches or the media for the entire season.
Reflecting on this period, Thomas said in 1988, “I’m remembered for my silence. Everywhere I go, people say, ‘Why didn’t you say anything, Duane?”
On the field in 1971, Thomas shined, leading the NFL with 11 rushing touchdowns and a total of 13 touchdowns for the season.
He scored in each of Dallas’ three postseason games, including Super Bowl VI, where the Cowboys clinched their first championship with a 24-3 victory over the Dolphins.
Following that Super Bowl, CBS broadcaster Tom Brookshier asked Thomas if he was as fast as he appeared, to which Thomas responded, “Evidently.”
Paul Zimmerman of Sports Illustrated later revealed that although the press almost unanimously voted Thomas as Super Bowl MVP, the award was given to quarterback Roger Staubach.
After his time with the Cowboys ended in 1972, Thomas was traded to the Chargers but never played for them due to a suspension for failing to report.
He later joined Washington and played for The Hawaiians in the World Football League, though attempts to return to the Cowboys and Packers were not successful.
Thomas is also remembered for his reflection on the Super Bowl: “If it’s the ultimate [game], how come they’re playing it again next year?”
The cause of his death has not been disclosed yet.
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