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Tom Dempsey, who became a record-setting NFL placekicker for the New Orleans Saints despite being born without toes on his right foot, died Saturday after contracting the coronavirus, the team announced. He was 73. Dempsey had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia since 2012 and had been in hospice care for several days after …
Tom Dempsey, who became a record-setting NFL placekicker for the New Orleans Saints despite being born without toes on his right foot, died Saturday after contracting the coronavirus, the team announced. He was 73.
Dempsey had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia since 2012 and had been in hospice care for several days after testing positive for COVID-19 on March 25. The former Pro Bowl kicker is among at least 15 residents at the Lambeth House retirement home in New Orleans to die after contracting the pandemic virus, NOLA.com reported.
“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to (wife) Carlene and the entire Dempsey family on the passing of their dear Tom. The New Orleans Saints family is deeply saddened and heartbroken at this most difficult time,” Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. “Tom’s life spoke directly to the power of the human spirit and exemplified his resolute determination to not allow setbacks to impede following his dreams and aspirations. He exemplified the same fight and fortitude in recent years as he battled valiantly against illnesses but never wavered and kept his trademark sense of humor. He holds a special place in the hearts and minds of the Saints family.”
Dempsey, who also was born without fingers on his right hand, wore a customized, truncated boot on his right foot during 11 NFL seasons with five teams. He was signed by the Saints in 1969 as an undrafted kicker out of Palomar College, near his San Diego-area home, and earned a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season.
The next year, on Nov. 8, 1970, Dempsey set an NFL record with a 63-yard field goal with time expiring to win a game against the Detroit Lions. The kick, which surpassed the previous mark by seven yards, lasted until it was matched by Denver Broncos kicker Jason Elam in 1998. Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (2011) and San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2012) also tied the record before Matt Prater of the Lions established a new mark with a 64-yarder the following year.
In addition to his wife, Dempsey is survived by three children and three grandchildren.
