Tom Dempsey
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 kicked a record 63-yard field goal with the New Orleans Saints in 1970.
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.
Date of birth:January 12, 1947
Place of birth:Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Career information
Position(s):Kicker
College:Palomar College
Organizations As player:
1969–1970 New Orleans Saints
1971–1974 Philadelphia Eagles
1975–1976 Los Angeles Rams
1977 Houston Oilers
1978–1979 Buffalo Bills
Career highlights and awards
Pro Bowls:1 (1969)
- • Stats on NFL.com
- — Information from Wikipedia.org
- — Dempsey on Wikipedia
