Earlier this week, it was discovered that Tom Dempsey, the legendary kicker for the New Orleans Saints, tested positive for the coronavirus. Less than a week later, Dempsey passed away after his battle with the coronavirus.
Dempsey, who was 73 years old, was also battling Alzheimer's disease and dementia since 2012. As a result, he was living in a retirement home called the Lambeth House in Uptown New Orleans.
However, there were multiple residents at the Lambeth House that contracted the coronavirus, with Dempsey testing positive on March 25. Besides Dempsey, there have been more than 15 residents at the retirement home that have passed away from the coronavirus.
Sadly, Dempsey becomes the second former NFL player to pass away after complications with the coronavirus. Just last week, Orlando McDaniel of the Denver Broncos passed away at the age of 59. McDaniel played three games with the Broncos in 1982.
For Dempsey, he is most known for his time with the Saints from 1969-1970. While with the Saints, Dempsey set an NFL record after making a 63-yard field goal versus the Detroit Lions. The longtime kicker held the record until 2013 when Matt Prater converted a 64-yard field goal.
Besides his time with the Saints, Dempsey was known as the kicker that was born without toes on his right foot. Therefore, he was forced to receive a special shoe that had a flat front that allowed him to kick in the NFL.
As a matter of fact, the shoes he wore reside in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Without a doubt, our thoughts and condolences go to the Dempsey family during these unfortunate times.
Follow Us
Subscribe