Tom Dempsey, American football player and educator

Thomas John Dempsey (January 12, 1947 – April 4, 2020) was a legendary American professional football player, widely recognized as a placekicker who left an indelible mark on the National Football League (NFL). His career spanned across multiple prominent teams, including the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Oilers, and Buffalo Bills. What truly set Dempsey apart was not only his remarkable talent but also his unique physical circumstances and the innovative approach he took to excel in a demanding sport.

A Pioneer in Kicking Style and Adaptability

During an era when the "soccer style" of kicking was rapidly gaining prevalence, Thomas Dempsey steadfastly employed the traditional, then-standard straight-toe kicking style. This method, which involved striking the ball directly with the toe of the boot, stood in stark contrast to the more modern soccer-style technique, where players would use the instep or side of their foot, allowing for greater power and accuracy through a more natural swinging motion. Dempsey's commitment to the straight-toe style was particularly noteworthy given that he was born without a right hand and without toes on his right foot, which was his kicking foot. To compensate, he wore a specially designed, modified shoe that featured a flattened and enlarged striking surface at the front, enabling him to connect with the football effectively. This adaptation not only allowed him to compete at the highest level but also showcased incredible resilience and ingenuity, inspiring many by overcoming physical challenges.

The Record-Setting 63-Yard Field Goal

Tom Dempsey's name became synonymous with one of the most iconic moments in NFL history on December 8, 1970. Playing for the New Orleans Saints against the Detroit Lions at Tulane Stadium, he achieved a feat that would stand as an NFL record for over four decades: a staggering 63-yard field goal. This monumental kick occurred on the very last play of the game, securing a dramatic 19-17 victory for the Saints. The ball, launched from the Saints' own 37-yard line, soared through the uprights with just two seconds remaining on the clock. At the time, this was not only the longest field goal ever made in professional football but also a defining moment that showcased the extreme limits of kicking precision and power. The record held firm until December 8, 2013, when Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos surpassed it with a 64-yard kick. Dempsey's 63-yard mark has since been tied by several other kickers, including Jason Elam (1998), Sebastian Janikowski (2011), David Akers (2012), and Graham Gano (2021), before being truly broken again by Justin Tucker's 66-yard field goal in 2021.

A Distinguished NFL Career

Beyond his record-breaking kick, Tom Dempsey enjoyed a distinguished professional career, showcasing consistency and reliability as a specialist. His NFL journey began with the New Orleans Saints from 1969 to 1970, where he made his historic mark. He then went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles (1971-1974), the Los Angeles Rams (1975), the Houston Oilers (1976-1977), and finally the Buffalo Bills (1978). Across his 11 seasons in the league, Dempsey demonstrated remarkable accuracy and powerful leg strength, making him a valuable asset to every team he played for. His career statistics reflect a solid performance, underscoring his contribution to the evolving role of the placekicker in the NFL.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

Tom Dempsey's legacy extends far beyond a single record. He remains a symbol of perseverance, adaptability, and the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity. His unique kicking style, a testament to his physical difference, prompted the NFL to implement a rule change in 1977, known colloquially as the "Tom Dempsey Rule" (though it was officially Rule 5, Section 2, Article 1, concerning kicking shoes). This rule stipulated that "any shoe worn by a player with an artificial limb on his kicking leg must conform to the regular kicking shoe and cannot be constructed to give an unfair advantage." Dempsey himself was grandfathered under the old rules, allowing him to continue using his specialized shoe. His extraordinary achievement and inspiring story continue to resonate with football fans and athletes worldwide, cementing his place as one of the most memorable and impactful figures in NFL history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Dempsey

What was Tom Dempsey’s most famous achievement?

Tom Dempsey is most famous for setting an NFL record with a 63-yard field goal while playing for the New Orleans Saints on December 8, 1970. This kick was the longest in NFL history at the time and secured a dramatic victory for his team.

How did Tom Dempsey's kicking style differ from others?

Unlike the "soccer style" of kicking that became dominant during his career, Dempsey used the traditional "straight-toe" style. This involved striking the ball directly with the toe of his modified shoe, which was specially designed to accommodate his right foot, which lacked toes.

What made Tom Dempsey's kicking foot unique?

Tom Dempsey was born without a right hand and without toes on his right foot. He used a specially adapted shoe with a flattened and enlarged striking surface on the front of the toe, which enabled him to kick effectively at a professional level.

How long did Tom Dempsey's 63-yard field goal record stand?

His 63-yard field goal record stood for 43 years, until December 8, 2013, when Matt Prater kicked a 64-yard field goal. While Prater broke the record, several other kickers have since tied Dempsey's 63-yard mark, and Justin Tucker ultimately set a new record with a 66-yard field goal in 2021.

Did the NFL change any rules because of Tom Dempsey?

Yes, the NFL implemented a rule (sometimes called the "Tom Dempsey Rule") in 1977 that clarified regulations for kicking shoes, particularly for players using artificial limbs. It ensured that specialized shoes could not be constructed to provide an unfair advantage, though Dempsey was allowed to continue using his original shoe.