On This Day -Tom Dempsey Boots One From 63 Yards Away

Flashing it way back this Friday to November 8th, 1970 when New Orleans Saints Kicker Tom Dempsey kicked an NFL record 63 yard field goal. Tom was born without toes on his right foot, so he was forced to wear a modified square looking kicking shoe. The boot at the end of regulation gave the Saints a 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions. A few dudes were able to match this feat over the years, but it wouldn’t be surpassed until 2013 when Matt Prater hit a 64 yarder. Happy Friday!!

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Happy Birthday Pat Swilling

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Happy Birthday Craig Heyward

Everybody remembers Craig ‘Ironhead’ Heyward for his years of running over defenders with the New Orleans Saints, but his best statistical year was in 1995 as a member of the Atlanta Falcons when he rushed for 1,083 yards, scored 6 TD’s and earned his 1st & only Pro-Bowl appearance. Happy Belated B-day Craig! R.I.P.

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The Bayou Boys

Happy Birthday to a couple of Bayou Boys, who were both born on this date in 1960. One was a local QB raised just 60 or so miles from New Orleans while the other arrived on that same Friday nearly 5,000 miles away in Copenhagen, Denmark. Both played a major role in allowing 1987 to become the first season in New Orleans Saints history in which the team would post winning record &/or make the playoffs. It was the Saints 21st year in existence.

The ‘Cajun Cannon’ a.k.a. Bobby Hebert led the Saints to a 10-2 record over his 12 games played in the strike shortened season, passing for over 2,000 yards & 15 TD’s. Kicker Morten ‘Great Dane’ Andersen led the NFL in field goals made, while collecting his second straight First Team All-Pro honor.

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Rickey Jackson Played With His Jaw Wired Shut

Happy Birthday to the ‘City Champ’ of Pahokee, FL  Rickey Jackson.  Rickey fractured his cheekbone in a car accident on Nov. 17th, 1989. He would only miss two games. (the only 2 missed games of his 15 year career) The leader of the ‘Dome Patrol’ would play the rest of the season with his jaw wired shut while wearing this special helmet. So Cool !!!