Cowboys Running Back Duane Thomas Dies at 77

Duane Thomas, the former running back for the Dallas Cowboys, has died at the age of 77 at his home in Sedona, Arizona. Thomas, who was a Dallas native, is remembered for his significant contributions to the team during the early 1970s, particularly for leading the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl appearance. His career, however, was marred by a highly publicized contract dispute that ultimately shortened his time in the NFL. In his rookie season, Thomas made a notable impact by rushing for 803 yards and scoring a touchdown in Super Bowl V, where the Cowboys faced the Baltimore Colts. Despite the team's loss, Thomas displayed a maturity that set him apart from his peers, openly criticizing the team's management during a post-game press conference. He famously referred to head coach Tom Landry as "plastic" and accused general manager Tex Schramm of dishonesty. The conflict between Thomas and the Cowboys' coaching staff was exacerbated by disagreements over his playing style. Thomas preferred a more upright stance before plays, while head coach John Mazur insisted on a traditional three-point stance. This clash contributed to the tensions that defined Thomas's career with the team. Thomas's legacy is a complex one, marked by both his on-field talent and the controversies that surrounded him. His passing is a reminder of the challenges athletes often face in balancing personal aspirations with team dynamics.