Tom Dempsey

College:Palomar

Position:Placekicker

Height: 6' 2" Weight:255lb

Born:January 12, 1947 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Joined saints:1969

Years with Saints:1969–1970

Background: Born without toes on his right foot and fingers on his right hand, Dempsey was a resilient kicker who earned his place in NFL record books. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers in 1968 prior to coming to New Orleans in 1969. In his rookie year, Dempsey was named to the Pro Bowl and The Sporting News All-Pro team. His second year proved to be record-breaking, as he secured his spot in NFL history in a game against the Detroit Lions in Tulane Stadium on Nov. 8, 1970. New Orleans was trailing 17-16 late in the fourth quarter and some fans had departed, Dempsey converted a 63-yard field goal to win the game on the final play. Not only was it a record, but it surpassed the previous record by seven yards. In addition, the 63-yarder was unmatched in the NFL for 28 years. Overall, Dempsey saw action in 28 games with the Saints, recording 40 field goals and going 49-of-52 (94.2%) on extra-point attempts. He went on to kick for four other NFL teams through the 1979 season.