WhoDat!656

While Denver Broncos placekicker Matt Prater set a new NFL record on Sunday with his 64-yard field goal, Tom Dempsey's 63-yard field goal for the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 8, 1970, against the Detroit Lions remains the greatest kick in NFL history.

First, Dempsey made his field goal with just two seconds left and the game on the line -- the Saints trailed the playoff*bound Lions 17-16, and they won on Dempsey's kick, 19-17.

Prater's kick was merely at the end of the half.

Second, Dempsey did it in New Orleans, not in mile-high Denver.

Third, like Bob Beamon's long jump at the 1968 Olym*pics, Dempsey's kick shattered the previous record (by seven yards), and the new record lasted for decades before it was surpassed.

And finally, Dempsey's kick not only won the game, but it inspired people, because Dempsey was born without toes on his kicking foot or fin*gers on his right hand.

Prater may now have a place in the record books, but Dempsey's game-winning kick will remain an inspiration forever.

Stephen A. Silver

San Francisco, Calif.

Dempsey still has a leg up on Broncos' kicker: Letter | NOLA.com

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