Saints famed kicker Tom Dempsey, who for decades held the record for longest NFL field goal at 63 yards, died on Saturday after contracting the coronavirus, the team announced.
He was 73.
Dempsey had been battling Alzheimer's disease and dementia since 2012. He contracted COVID-19 on March 25, according to NOLA.com's Ramon Antonio Vargas. Dempsey, per NOLA.com, was one of 15 residents at New Orleans' Lambeth House retirement home to die after contracting the disease.
"Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Carlene and the entire Dempsey family on the passing of their dear Tom," Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement.