Our countdown to the New Orleans Saints‘ season opener is on Day 63, which means Tom Dempsey’s legendary 63-yard field goal is an easy pick for the Saints Play of the Day. Last year, the Saints shared a great video feature on the play and the drama surrounding it from those who were on hand to see it. You can see it for yourself right here.
Any Saints fan who inherited their team from the previous generation knows the story. Dempsey was born without toes on his right foot and kicked with a one-of-a-kind box-toed boot, which was later outlawed by the NFL. With the game on the line and only seconds left on the clock back in 1970, Dempsey won the day against the Detroit Lions with a field goal from 63 yards, setting a new NFL record.
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Dempsey’s record stood for 43 years; his iconic kick led to several rules changes and wasn’t surpassed until Matt Prater nailed a 64-yarder at altitude with the Denver Broncos. In 2021, Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker reset the record with a 66-yard field goal.
Most importantly, Dempsey’s field goal gave Saints fans something to brag about when they really needed it. The team lost a lot of games back in 1970 (and for most of the 1970’s). They didn’t have many Pro Bowlers or special moments, and that this one endured for so long only made it more memorable. We’re grateful that brighter days came along, but we’re still thankful Dempsey made that kick back in 1970, too.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Tom Dempsey’s iconic 63-yard field goal is the Saints Play of the Day