Dempsey booted NFL record 63-yard FG:
Tom Dempsey was an inspirational NFL player. Despite being born with only half a right foot and no right hand, the tenacious kicker had an 11-year NFL career.
Dempsey never let his disability keep him from chasing his dreams. In high school, he was a standout lineman, and was also on the wrestling and track teams. He made the leap to college ball, playing defensive end at Palomar Junior College in California.
Dempsey was fitted with a special shoe that allowed him to swing his leg and drive the ball like a polo player using a mallet, and Dempsey’s career started to thrive.
In 1969, Dempsey got his first big break, catching on as the New Orleans Saints’ kicker and earning a Pro Bowl berth. The next season, with seconds winding down in a game against the Detroit Lions, Dempsey’s “kick heard ’round the world” shattered the NFL record by seven yards. Dempsey’s 63-yard kick gave the Saints a 19-17 win over the Lions. The NFL record still stands today.
Dempsey was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame in 1989.