Undrafted he’d sign with the Chargers in 1968 but not make the squad.
In 1969 Dempsey joined the Saints, where he’s probably most favorably remembered for hitting an NFL record 63 yard field goal.
During his first season in New Orleans he led the league with 41 field goal attempts and a 55 yard long.
In both ’70 and ’71 he’d also have 63 and 54 yard field goals that’d lead the league.
Before the 1971 season, Dempsey signed with the Eagles, playing with the team through the ’74 season.
The Rams would sign Tom in 1975, where he’d hit a career high 80.8% field goals.
He’d play for the Oilers in 1976 for 5 contests, before heading over to Buffalo to close out his career.
Since retirement, Tom has battled much adversity.
In 2005, he was flooded out by Hurricane Katrina.
Then in 2013 he revealed that he was battling dementia.
ACCOLADES:
New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame
Pro Bowl 1969
All Pro 1969
George Halas Award 1971
Semi Pro Football Hall of Fame
NOTES:
The NFL actively updated rules while and after Tom played. They felt because he had a flat front to his shoes (due to a birth defect) that he was able to hit longer field goals than other players. His 63 yard field goal record stood for over 40 years- before the NFL loosened kicking rules for footballs in the 2020’s.
EPITAPH:
4/4/20- After being diagnosed with COVID late in March, Tom passed away a few days later, during the early days of the pandemic at the age of 73
Roman Phifer played LB at UCLA from 1987-’88 and 1990.
He really came into his own in 1990, posting 71 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 3 sacks and a fumble recovery.
Roman zoomed up the draft boards with a solid combine, with a 387lb bench press and 4.6 speed.
The Rams were looking to get younger at linebacker and selected Roman in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft.
Was off to a fast start, posting 24 total tackles and 2 sacks, before a season ending leg injury in November of that year.
By 1993, Roman had established himself as a solid defender, evidenced by his 117 total tackles that year.
As the team transitioned to Saint Louis in ’95, Pfifer arguably had the best season of his career, with 125 total tackles, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions, and a fumble recovery.
He’d almost duplicate those tackle totals in ’96 with 122.
In ’96, Roman had a career high 6.5 sacks, displaying the versatility, athleticism, and speed that warranted his second round selection.
Spent the 1999 and 2000 seasons with the New York Jets.
Began the 3rd stanza of his career with the New England Patriots in 2001.
He’d be key Patriots, helping the team win the Super Bowl after the season with 93 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a pick.
The 34 year old returned to NE for 2002 with 109 total tackles, and 101 tackles in 2003.
With less playing time and injuries setting in, Roman had a down year in 2004 and was released in the off-season.
Took a cup of coffee with the Giants in 2005 suiting up for one contest but didn’t see any playing time- retiring soon thereafter.
Roman jumped into coaching and then quickly thereafter front office work.
As of this post, is a senior executive for the Denver Broncos.
ACCOLADES:
New England Patriots All-2000s Team
New England Patriots All Dynasty Team
Pro Bowl ’95, ’96, 2002, ’03
NOTES:
Well, as you can see, I’ve failed on Roman numerous times- but persistence pays off! He was one of the original send outs I wanted way, way back in 2010, so I was miffed not to get him either with the Lions or Broncos. I flushed so many great cards down the drain trying to get him, that I was just excited to get away with these two.
Rosey Grier played his college football at Penn St from 1952-’55.
He excelled not only at DT and DE but also as a track man in discus, javelin, and shot put.
Selected by the New York Giants in the 3rd round (31st overall) of the 1955 NFL Draft.
First played at RDE his rookie season, and then in ’56 moved to DT after the Giants acquired Andy Robustelli from the Rams.
Played for the Giants through the ’62 season, where the team built on a strong defense, reached the title game 5 times- winning once.
Traded to the Rams and helped form the famous Fearsome Foursome defensive line.
Tore Achilles tendon during the 1966 season, ending his career.
After retirement he spent some time working the TV circuit hosting the Rosey Grier Show in LA, and landed guest roles on Wild Wild West, Man From UNCLE, Kojak, Make Room for Granddaddy, CHIPS, Quincy M.E., and Daniel Boone.
During the 70’s he also became a mainstay celebrity on TV game and talk shows and was involved in movies.
Since then he’s lived a full and busy life through community service and charitable causes, and has written 6 books.
ACCOLADES:
Top 100 Most Influential Student Athletes
New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame 1996
Penn State Distinguished Alumni Award
Pro Bowl 1956, ’60
All Pro 1956, 1958, 1959
NOTES:
In 1968, Rosey Grier was a bodyguard to Robert and Ethel Kennedy and helped detain Sirhan Sirhan after he assassinated RFK, by inserting his thumb into the gun’s hammer and snapping Sirhan’s arm.
Rosey Grier is also (unintentionally) hilariously known for his role in the movie The Thing with Two Heads.
Grier is one of the personalities and great players of the early NFL that has not gotten his due from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
