On the TunneySide of Sports
November 7, 2022
#925 Up next…
After further review… It seems that today’s field goal kickers are immune to how far away their team is from the goalposts when asked to help get three points on the board. Jan Stenerud is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame due to his superb field goal success. Nick Lowrey, former Kansas City Hall of Fame field goal kicker (same team as Stenerud) said he had to shake off any insecure feelings whenever his coach sent him onto the field to keep the Chiefs in the game.
Let me tell you a bit of history that many may have forgotten. It was cold and late in the afternoon on Nov. 8, 1970 (some 52 years ago) in New Orleans as the New Orleans Saints defeated the Detroit Lions 19-17. I can attest to those conditions since I was fortunate to be the referee in that game. The game was played at Tulane University, home of the Saints as the Superdome was just a dream of owner John W. Mecom Jr., then owner of the Saints.
The Lions had just kicked a field goal to go ahead 17-16 with 11 seconds left. Billy Dodd returned the ensuing kickoff to the 28 and then made a diving catch at the Saint’s 45-yard line.
J.D. Roberts, in his first game as the Saints head coach (Mecom Jr. had fired head coach Tom Fears the week before), took advice from assistant Don Heinrich, who suggested Roberts send in Tom Dempsey, their field goal kicker. No field goal beyond 60 yards had been successful at that time. During that time out, Alex Karras, the Lions defensive tackle who later turned actor/commentator, asked me “What are they gonna do, Jim?” I said, “Looks like they are going to try to kick a field goal, Alex.” “Don’t they know they’re on their 45-yard line?” I said, “I don’t make these decisions, Alex, get back on your side of the ball.” The snap from center was perfect, Kilmer set the ball exactly and Dempsey kicked it through. Our field judge, Dick Dolack under the goalpost, signaled “Good!” I repeated it as the clock ran out.
Dempsey, who taught school in New Orleans for many years, has recently passed away as has Dolack. Kilmer is still living. Dempsey had a deformed right foot with which he kicked that record-setting field goal. He was born with no toes on his right foot and no fingers on his right hand. Dempsey wore a custom, flat-front kicking shoe that had no toe box.
Some opponents complained because Dempsey didn’t wear a standard shoe (the rule in those days). I countered with “That’s because he doesn’t have a standard foot!”
Will you have the courage to overcome whatever difficult circumstances you may have?
Jim Tunney will be having a book sale on Saturday, November 12. For more information email him at jim@jimtunney.com or follow him on Facebook for more information. Jim’s Bobbleheads are still available for $30 with one free book of your choice from his website www.jimtunney.com/store. Shipping is free.
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Holiday Gifts For The Sports Fan
Jim’s famous Bobblehead is still available for $30. He has added one of his books (your choice – you pick one from his website www.jimtunney.com) at no extra charge.
Shop here.
To contact Jim, go to www.jimtunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com.
