Iconic NFL Kicker Tom Dempsey Has Reportedly Recovered After Testing Positive for Coronavirus

Earlier this week, the football world received some truly bad news when legendary kicker Tom Dempsey reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus. This only added to the long list of sports figures who contracted the virus during this ongoing pandemic, and given his age, many feared the worst.

According to New Orleans television station WDSU, the 73-year-old former Saints kicker has fully recovered after a previous positive test for COVID-19.

Dempsey has been living at a senior living center down in New Orleans, and is currently battling Alzheimer's disease and dementia. This assisted living facility was greatly impacted by the coronavirus, as 13 residents have alreaedy passed away from the virus.

The legendary kicker, who was born without toes on his right foot and fingers on his right hand, is perhaps best for holding the record for the longest-ever field goal in NFL history for an extended period. As a member of the 1969 Saints, Dempsey kicked a 63-yarder against the Detroit Lions, a record that would stand until 2013, when Matt Prater broke it in the high altitude of Denver as a member of the Broncos.

Besides the Saints, with whom he was a 1969 Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection, Dempsey would kick for the Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Oilers, and Buffalo Bills.

Saints fans had already the good news that head coach Sean Payton was cleared from COVID-19. Now, they can breath a sigh of relief that one of their franchise's most memorable players has recovered as well.