By Zachary Nagy | The Vermilion
New Orleans Saints legend Tom Dempsey passed away Saturday, April 4 due to complications with the novel coronavirus.
The NFL icon, who was born without toes on his right foot or fingers on his right hand, defied all odds in order to achieve his dream of playing professional football.
In a time where athletes competed on both sides of the football, Dempsey played both placekicker and defensive line - Tom savored the moments where he could lay someone flat on their back or knock his competitor out.
Though, Mr. Dempsey will be most remembered for his game-winning 63-yard field goal for the New Orleans Saints on November 8th, 1970 – a record that held for decades.
Despite having no toes on his kicking foot, he used a specially adapted flat boot to kick with and the shoe is now displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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