In 1970, Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints kicked an NFL record 63-yard field goal. Down 17-16 late in the game, Dempsey made a miracle field goal to help the Saints defeat the Detroit Lions 19-17. Dempsey’s kicking style was the then-standard straight-toe style, but what made Dempsey stand out was his custom flat-front kicking shoe. Dempsey was born with no toes on his right foot and no fingers on his right hand. Dempsey was no one game wonder though, he played for 11 seasons in the NFL and ended his career with 159 field goals. Dempsey made First-team All-Pro in 1969 and played in that year’s Pro Bowl. Dempsey’s record stood for over forty years, it was broken in 2013 by Matt Prater who kicked a 64-yard field goal.
Today in Sports History: November 8
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