Tom Dempsey, who overcame physical challenges to become a record-setting NFL kicker, died late Saturday at age 73 due to novel coronavirus, his family told NOLA.com.
Dempsey — who overcame astronomical odds to establish what was then considered a virtually unbeatable record — contracted the virus in March during an outbreak at the Lambeth House retirement home in Uptown New Orleans. He is one of at least 15 residents there to die after being stricken with the disease.
It is one of the most memorable NFL moments in a career that was absolutely remarkable. Dempsey connecting on a then-record-63 yard field goal in 1970 to defeat the Detroit Lions. Dempsey was born without fingers on his right hand or toes on his right foot. He wore a flat shoe on his kicking foot.
“I don’t believe it …,” Don Criqui said as the ball went through the uprights, “It’s GOOD!” Louisiana Congressman F. Edward Hebert had an account of “The Kick” inserted into the Congressional Record.
Dempsey played 11 seasons, kicking for the Eagles, Oilers and Bills, as well as the Saints from 1969-79. He scored 729 points, making 159 field goals.
In 2012, Dempsey publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with dementia and detailed the treatment he was receiving for the condition. He spent the final years of his life at Lambeth House.
His family had said last weeek Dempsey was battling coronavirus in New Orleans. He contracted the novel coronavirus during the outbreak at a senior living center, his daughter said Monday. Ashley Dempsey said her 73-year-old father — who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia — developed symptoms of the respiratory disease caused by the virus, COVID-19.
In addition to his wife Carlene and daughter Ashley, Dempsey’s is survived by children Toby Dempsey (Pamela) and Meghan Dempsey Crosby (Lee), as well as his sister, Janice Dempsey. He also had three grandchildren: Dylan Dempsey, Logan Dempsey and Quinn Dempsey.
Dempsey becomes at least the second former NFL player to die after contracting COVID-19. Orlando McDaniel, who played three games for the Broncos in 1982, died last week. McDaniel, who played college ball at LSU, was 59.
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