Duane Thomas, former Dallas Cowboys running back who led the team to their first Super Bowl victory in 1971, has passed away at the age of 77.

Thomas, who was integral to the Cowboys' success during the 1971 season, rushing for 793 yards and scoring a league-leading 11 touchdowns, leaves behind a complicated legacy marked by on-field excellence and off-field controversies. Despite his significant contributions—including 205 yards and three touchdowns in the postseason, culminating in a standout performance in Super Bowl VI—Thomas was often at odds with team management and retained a reputation for being aloof and outspoken. His criticisms of the Cowboys' organization and head coach Tom Landry, as well as his refusals to report to other teams, underscored a career filled with both brilliance and friction.

Duane Thomas' tenure with the Dallas Cowboys was notable not just for his athleticism but also for his strained relationship with management. His exceptional performance in the 1971 season showcased his abilities, as he rushed for 793 yards and achieved a league-high 11 touchdowns. However, Thomas rarely communicated with teammates or media during that time, adding to his enigmatic persona.

In the 1971 postseason, Thomas further proved his worth by accumulating 205 combined yards and scoring three touchdowns. His efforts culminated in Super Bowl VI, where he rushed for 95 yards and secured a touchdown, playing a pivotal role in the Cowboys' victory over the Miami Dolphins. This game marked the franchise's first Super Bowl win, solidifying Thomas' place in NFL history.

Despite his on-field success, Thomas' relationship with the Cowboys' front office was tumultuous. He publicly criticized team management for their unwillingness to renegotiate his contract and famously referred to head coach Tom Landry as a 'plastic man.' These comments, coupled with his distant demeanor, contributed to a contentious atmosphere around the team.

Thomas' discontent led to significant career shifts. After the Cowboys attempted to trade him to the New England Patriots before the 1971 season, the deal was voided by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. Subsequently, Thomas was traded to the San Diego Chargers, but he refused to report, causing him to miss the entire 1972 season.

In later years, Thomas played for the Washington Redskins during the 1973-74 seasons and had a brief stint with The Hawaiians of the World Football League. His efforts to rekindle his career with the Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers also proved unsuccessful.

Thomas' perspective on the sport was encapsulated by his famous quote about the Super Bowl: 'If it’s the ultimate [game], how come they’re playing it again next year?' This line epitomized his often-contradictory relationship with the game that brought him fame.

After retiring from football, Thomas took on various jobs including carpentry and moving work. His post-NFL life was a stark contrast to the high-profile career he had during his playing days, reflecting his varied interests and capabilities beyond football.

Duane Thomas also left his mark as a rookie during the 1970 playoffs with back-to-back 100-yard performances against the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers, which helped set the stage for the Cowboys' success in the following season.

Though the immediate cause of Thomas' death has not been reported, his legacy in the world of professional football remains undeniable. He was an athlete whose prowess on the field was matched by a complex and often contentious relationship with the sport.

As news of his passing spreads, Thomas will be remembered for his significant contributions to the Dallas Cowboys' first Super Bowl win and his unique, if complicated, presence in the NFL. His life and career continue to remind us of the multifaceted nature of professional athletes, both as sports figures and as individuals navigating their paths.