Tom Dempsey
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Since Tom Dempsey was born with no toes on his right foot, he wore a modified shoe with a flattened and enlarged toe area, giving somewhat the appearance of a hammer |
Tom Dempsey (b.
January 12,
1947) was an
NFL kicker for the
New Orleans Saints (
1969-
1970),
Philadelphia Eagles (
1971-
1974),
Los Angeles Rams (
1975-
1976),
Houston Oilers (
1977) and
Buffalo Bills (
1978-
1979). He played college ball at
Palomar College.
He is most widely known for his NFL record 63 yard
field goal, kicked in the final 5 seconds to give the
New Orleans Saints a 19-17 win over the
Detroit Lions on
8 November 1970. This record still stands (as of the start of the
2006 season), although it was equalled by
Jason Elam of the
Denver Broncos on
October 25th 1998.
In those days in the NFL, prior to 1974, the goal posts were on the goal lines instead of the end lines. With time running out in the game, the Saints attempted a place kick with holder
Joe Scarpati spotting at the Saints' own 36 yard line. The snap from
Jackie Burkett was good, and Dempsey nailed the field goal with a couple of feet to spare. The win was one of only two for the Saints in that otherwise-forgettable season.
Dempsey was born with no right hand, and a right
club foot, with no toes on his right foot (which was his kicking foot). He wore a modified shoe with a flattened and enlarged toe area, giving somewhat the appearance of a hammer. He used a straight approach to kick the ball as opposed to the "
soccer style" used by nearly all place kickers today. Dempsey's accomplishment led to the NFL passing a rule requiring that all footgear be "normal" (their term) regardless of the kicker's personal situation.
Dempsey has since retired from football and currently resides with his wife Carlene, who teaches history at a
New Orleans suburban elementary school.
*"The hurricane flooded me out of a lot of memorabilia, but it can't flood out the memories" - Dempsey on the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
*
Article by Dempsey about his field goal
