On November 8, 1970, with two seconds left at Tulane Stadium, Saints kicker Tom Dempsey lined up for a 63-yard field goal. Nobody had ever made a kick from that distance. Dempsey was born without toes on his right foot. The ball sailed through. The record stood for 43 years.
The Kid Who Wouldn't Quit
Born January 12, 1947, in Milwaukee, Dempsey was born without toes on his right foot and without fingers on his right hand. The San Diego Chargers signed him in 1968 but he only made the practice squad. The Saints picked him up in 1969 and he made first-team All-Pro.
The Kick
November 8, 1970. Saints losing 17-16. Two seconds left. 63-yard attempt. The ball cleared the crossbar. Saints won 19-17. The NFL later added the "Tom Dempsey Rule" requiring prosthetic kicking shoes to conform to standard shapes.
Dirty Coast Connection
Who Dat and One Nation Under Dome carry that Black and Gold energy. Be A New Orleanian Wherever You Are.
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