Remembering Duane Thomas

The great memories of the superb running back Duane Thomas’ actions both on and off the field, especially that which “evidently”/did occur after the 6th Supe, can be discussed many ways.

I praise them as great, this day after Duane died at age 77.

If it is the ultimate game referring to the so hyped Super Bowl, “why do they play it every year,” “he queried. For that alone, praise to you Mr. Thomas and those “doubtingThomas” (pun intended)–check reality and football’s way too much hold on this, as my father, who truly liked football, called it long ago, “duped” U.S. public.

On the field, two superb Duane Thomas seasons, those in ’70 and ’71, each year a Cowboys’ great winning streak, respectively leading to a conference and finally at long last an NFL crown in a (24-3) win vs Miami (Dolphins)–they would win the next 2 and none since—in the 6th Super Bowl.

After that game, that fine day in “The Year of Garcia” (Rod in the Rose Bowl and high school classmate Vin’s Cowboys, and “my” Lakers and Bruins winning titles), Tom Brookshier of CBS prepared to interview Duane, who was accompanied by the great Jim Brown.

A picture/video is worth so many words, especially mine, though I do not hesitate to praise this action, on so many levels. Perhaps it can be seen below.

Above in heaven, as James Lipton said if it exists and at the so called “pearly gates,” no need for Duane to be “nervous,” (he rarely if ever was) and a good thought is Brookshier Jim and Duane gathering in some way, all in certain agreement, regarding the great, albeit brief football and sociological greatness of Duane Thomas.

Here it is, Duane and Jim appear at the 7 minute mark.

The opening picture (left to right) is that of a pair of greats at what they did, broadcaster Pat “Super” Summerall and quarterback Roger Staubach.

At the end, the greatest of television football broadcasters, Ray Scott calls Duane’s TD run that gave Dallas a (17-3) lead with Mike Clark’s subsequent point after touchdown conversion.

On radio, I wish I could find it, another great broadcaster, Bill Mercer the Cowboys’ “voice,” delineates the 5 to the 3 and touchdown, the proper and great call of Duane’s TD.

So much of it gone, I heard Harlan making a mockery of radio broadcast cannons, but as in “The Boys of Summer” “Don’t look back” as all, more than “gained on us,” and I do not mean Bob Gain.

The great Duane Thomas, pictured above.