Duane Thomas, the former running back credited with aiding the Dallas Cowboys in securing their inaugural Super Bowl victory, has passed away at 77, as confirmed by the team to various media outlets. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed on Tuesday, August 7.

During the 1971 season, Thomas participated in 11 games, starting in 10, amassing 793 rushing yards and leading the league with 11 touchdowns. He also made 13 receptions for 153 yards and two additional touchdowns. In the 1971 postseason, Thomas contributed a total of 205 yards and three touchdowns, including 95 yards and a touchdown as Dallas dominated the Miami Dolphins 24-3 in Super Bowl VI.

Thomas was also noted for his periods of dissatisfaction, which led to his being traded to two different teams, though he never joined them. After his rookie year in 1970, where he achieved 803 rushing yards, he sought to renegotiate his contract. He also added 313 yards during the Cowboys’ postseason journey to the Super Bowl, where they narrowly lost to the Baltimore Colts 16-13.

The Cowboys attempted to trade him to the New England Patriots before the 1971 season, but he declined to report. The commissioner nullified the trade, keeping Thomas with the Cowboys. He was known for his reticence, rarely interacting with teammates or the press, as reported by the Dallas Morning News.

Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson remarked to the Morning News on Tuesday, “He was a quiet man, even though we slept just six feet apart.” Following the 1971 season, Dallas successfully arranged a trade with the San Diego Chargers, yet Thomas once again refused, sitting out the 1972 season. However, he did play after being traded to the Washington Redskins, where he played in 1973-74, accumulating a total of 442 yards and five touchdowns on 127 carries.