Tom Dempsey, the former New Orleans Saints kicker best remembered for a record-setting 63-yard field goal, died Saturday from coronavirus.
He was 73.
Dempsey, who became a football icon for his 1970 kick despite being born without fingers on his right hand or toes on his right foot, had been at the Lambeth House senior living center in New Orleans after his 2012 diagnosis of dementia, according to NOLA.com.
He tested positive for coronavirus on March 25.
"Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Carlene and the entire Dempsey family on the passing of their dear Tom," New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson said in a statement.
"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."
Dempsey, who also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills before retiring in 1979, was named a first-team All-Pro in his rookie season with the Saints.
He was inducted into the Saints' Hall of Fame in 1989.
Dempsey is survived by his wife, Carlene, three children and three grandchildren.
Ashley Dempsey, his daughter, said they were not allowed to visit him before his death, but spoke to him on video every day.
"We didn't want him to think we had abandoned him," she told NOLA.com. "We wanted him to know we still loved him _ always."
At least nine people have died from coronavirus at Lambeth House so far.
