Jackie Robinson and Tom Dempsey are both leaders of social change in their discipline. Tom Dempsey was a football player who broke the disability barrier. In high school, Tom broke Bert Rechichar's NFL record for "longest field goal" by seven yards. Tom Dempsey made a 63-yard field goal without any toes. Dempsey worked for charitable organizations such as muscular dystrophy events. 

Jackie Robinson and Tom Dempsey both broke barriers. Jackie broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. In Promises to Keep by Sharon Robinson, on page 8 we read, "By breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, my father helped break down racial segregation." This explains that Jackie broke the color barrier in MLB. Tom Dempsey broke the disability barrier, "Tom was born without any toes on his right foot and fingers on his right hand. For those who have any disability, Dempsey is an inspiration." This explains that Tom Dempsey broke the disability barrier in football. Another similarity is that they both made a lasting impact on sports history. Jackie was a talented baseball player. According to JackieRobinson.com,  "Robinson led the Brooklyn Dodgers to six league championships and one World Series." This tells us that Jackie was a very talented player who helped the Dodgers win. Tom Dempsey also made an impact in football. On NFf.com we read, "With all his might, Dempsey took a nary pair of slight steps and booted a hopeful game-winner that fluttered to the ground 63 memorable yards later." This tells us that he made a difference by setting a record in football despite his disability. 

Jackie Robinson and Tom Dempsey were both legends in different sports. Jackie Robinson was a dedicated baseball player. Sportscasting.com says, "Robinson became one of the best players in baseball, winning Rookie of the Year in 1947, National League MVP in 1949, and a world series title in 1955." This explains that he won many awards during his career with the Dodgers. Tom Dempsey was an amazing football player. According to the New York Times, "He (Dempsey) was born without toes on his right foot, but spent 11 seasons in the NFL and kicked 159 field goals."  This explains that he was a talented football player. While both Jackie and Tom were great athletes, they faced different challenges on their path to becoming legends. Jackie faced racism, In PRmises to Keep we read,  "... Players struck Dad with their cleats, or even pitched the ball at him, hoping to start a fight. Dad contained his anger. He glared at his aggressor until she gathered the strength not to throw a punch." This tells us that people were trying to make him mad so that he would get kicked off the team because they felt he didn't belong on the field with the other players. Tom Dempsey had to learn how to live with his disability,. Thesportcol. com reports, "Tom Dempsey overcame a disability he had to deal with from birth to become an elite NFL kicker." This tells us that he overcame his disability and pursued his dream, breaking barriers on his way to becoming an NFL star.

Jackie Robinson and Tom Dempsey are both leaders of social change in their discipline. Jacke Robinson and Tom Dempsey broke different barriers. Jackie broke the color barrier and Tom broke the disability barrier. Both men are important to American history. They both proved that it doesn't matter your disability or race, you can achieve your dreams.