Even 55 years on, Tom Dempsey’s legendary field goal remains an iconic moment in sports history. In 1970, amidst a turbulent season, the New Orleans Saints found themselves in a nail-biting match against the Detroit Lions. With seconds remaining, Dempsey, a generational talent, had the opportunity to attempt a nearly impossible 63-yard field goal, surpassing the existing NFL record of 56 yards.
Despite the odds, Dempsey’s kick was true and straight, soaring through the air and securing his place in history. The stadium erupted in disbelief and joy as Dempsey, who was born without toes on his right foot, achieved this remarkable feat. His record stood for over four decades, a testament to his skill and determination.
“I was on my way into the locker room and basically thought I’d stop and watch him miss it,” Detroit Lions linebacker Wayne Walker recalled. “But I heard his foot hit the ball — it was a sound unlike I’ve ever heard. It almost sounded like a cannon going off.”
Breaking Barriers in Elite Sports
Dempsey’s achievement is part of a broader narrative of disabled athletes breaking barriers in mainstream sports. Unlike women’s sports, where representation of disability and neurodivergence has become more common, men’s sports have lagged behind in inclusivity. However, athletes like Dempsey and Spanish soccer player Álex Sanchez have paved the way for greater representation.
A decade before soccer player Carson Pickett made headlines for her representation in the US women’s team, Álex Sanchez was making history in men’s soccer. In 2009, Sanchez became the first player with limb difference to play in La Liga, Spain’s top football league. Despite initial challenges, Sanchez’s career became a beacon of hope for athletes with disabilities.
“The only problem I had was tying my boots when I was a kid,” Sanchez told ABC Sport. “I actually didn’t realise I had a disability — the disability wasn’t important, I was a kid like the rest of them. The only thing important was to score the goals.”
The Media’s Role and Public Perception
Sanchez’s debut in La Liga was met with a media frenzy, highlighting the challenges athletes with disabilities face in the public eye. Despite being a young, relatively unknown player, Sanchez found himself on the front pages, with the media often focusing on his disability rather than his skills.
Similarly, Dempsey faced scrutiny over his custom-made football boot, designed to accommodate his unique foot structure. Despite its legality, critics questioned whether it gave him an unfair advantage, leading to the implementation of the “Tom Dempsey rule” in 1977, which required players with artificial limbs to wear standard footwear.
“Unfair, eh? How ’bout you try kicking a 63-yard field goal to win it with two seconds left and you’re wearing a square shoe,” Dempsey was quoted as saying in response to the controversy.
The Importance of Role Models
For Sanchez, the impact of his career extended beyond personal achievements. His presence in La Liga inspired young athletes with similar disabilities, providing them with a role model in a sport where few existed. This realization prompted Sanchez to become an outspoken advocate for disability representation in sports.
“The day before my debut, one kid with a disability like mine came to my hotel to say thank you — thank you for being an inspiration, thank you for playing in La Liga,” Sanchez said. “I couldn’t believe it at that point.”
Sanchez’s advocacy continued throughout his career, culminating in a successful stint in Australia with Sydney Olympic, where he thrived both on and off the pitch. His time in Australia was marked by personal and professional fulfillment, a testament to the positive impact of inclusive environments.
As Sanchez retired from professional football in 2025, he reflected on his journey and the significance of his achievements. His career, like Dempsey’s, serves as a powerful reminder of the potential of athletes with disabilities to excel in mainstream sports, inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams without limitations.
