Eventually, we’re going to take stock of all the people who have died due to complications related to coronavirus and COVID-19 and the list will be staggering. Unfortunately, the virus has now claimed famed New Orleans Sants kicker Tom Dempsey, who died at the age of 73.
New Orleans Saints legend Tom Dempsey dies at 73 after contracting coronavirus https://t.co/n0MQA6LNqb pic.twitter.com/SecVveDuLJ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 5, 2020
Ashley Dempsey, his daughter, said on Sunday that her father tested positive for the coronavirus just over a week ago. He had been battling Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and was residing at the Lambeth House senior living center in New Orleans, which had been strongly affected by the virus. Over 50 residents od Lambeth House have been affected and at least 15 have died, per NOLA.com.
Dempsey set the mark for the longest NFL field goal made in 1970 when he booted a 63-yarder despite the fact that he was born with no toes on his right foot. Dempsey’s kick, which not only helped the Saints beat the Detroit Lions on the last play of the game, stood as the NFL record for over four decades until the Denver Broncos’ Matt Prater hit a 64-yarder in 2013. It was said that Lions defenders were laughing at Dempsey and the Saints for even attempting the unthinkable kick, which topped the previous record by seven yards.
Tom Dempsey’s historic 63-yard field goal on Nov. 8, 1970 pic.twitter.com/UcZNBoOw9t
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 5, 2020
Detroit Lions 19-17 on the last play of the game at Tulane Stadium on Nov. 8, 1970, but also stood as the NFL record for more than four decades. It beat the previous record by a full seven yards.
While Dempsey is mostly remembered as a Saint, his 11-year career actually took him to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Oilers, and Buffalo Bills as well. He only spent two seasons with the Saints while he spent four with Philly. Still, he was inducted in the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame after retiring. After his playing days, Dempsey returned to New Orleans and worked as an oilfield salesman, high school football coach, and even as a car dealership manager for Tom Benson, who bought the Saints in 1985.
Athletes often have an uneasy and complicated relationship with the one feat for which they’re best known. Not Tom Dempsey of the @Saints. You wanna talk about The Kick? What it felt like, sounded like, looked like? He had all day — and night, if you had a six pack of Dixie. RIP
— Seth Wickersham (@SethWickersham) April 5, 2020
Current Saints owner Gayle Benson released a statement Sunday morning.
“The New Orleans Saints family is deeply saddened and heartbroken at this most difficult time. 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.”
[NOLA]
