Former Dallas Cowboys running back Duane Thomas died Sunday at age 77, according to the Dallas Morning News.
The Dallas Cowboys confirmed the former NFL star's death but did not disclose the cause, The Dallas Morning News reported. Thomas' four-season NFL tenure was marred by contract disputes and an infamous silence from team officials, teammates and the press. according to However, his personal life was reportedly active.
Super Bowl champion and former Cowboys star Duane Thomas dies at 77 https://t.co/NJY0fVOlT1
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 7, 2024
Despite Thomas' quiet demeanor, his daughter Zarika described him as a “very eloquent speaker” and reportedly revealed a personal life filled with a passion for painting and music, particularly jazz and 1970s R&B.
“My father was a very loving father and a very strategic man,” his daughter said, according to the media outlet. “I'm a lot like my dad. He always said that about me when I was growing up. When I started to become a mentor in life, I totally understood that. He's a very strategic, analytical and very caring person.” (RELATED: Former NFL player and Texas A&M University star dies at 55)
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 22: Washington Redskins running back Duane Thomas (number 47) rests on the bench during an NFL game against the St. Louis Cardinals at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC on September 22, 1974. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 17-10. (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images)
Thomas' time with the Cowboys was a tense one, especially in 1971, when he chose not to speak to reporters or teammates throughout the season. However, Thomas' performance on the field was not marred by these issues. He was the first player to score a touchdown at Texas Stadium and led the NFL with 11 touchdowns that season, according to the Dallas Morning News. Eventually, his strained relationship with the team led to him being traded to the San Diego Chargers, and he later played briefly for the Washington Redskins and Hawaiians of the World Football League.
