Latest news with #JoeDelaney
NBC Sports
01-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Hall of Fame's 2025 "Character" exhibit pays tribute to Joe Delaney
On Sunday, we posted our annual tribute to former Chiefs running back Joe Delaney, who gave his life while trying to save three drowning children on June 29, 1983. The Chiefs placed Delaney in the team's Ring of Honor, even though he played only two NFL seasons. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has reached out to explain that Delaney is also featured in the 'Character' exhibit, a significant point of emphasis for the museum in 2025. The 'Character' display, per the Hall of Fame, advances the third pillar of its mission statement: To promote the values of the game. The exhibit provides examples of how players and others associated with the game displayed traits on and off the field that contributed to the greater good. The centerpiece of the 'Character' exhibit is the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. In addition to Delaney, the exhibit features players like Emlen Tunnell, Pat Tillman, and Bryant Young. We'll be heading to the Hall of Fame later this month for the Lions-Chargers game that unofficially kicks off football season. I'll be making time to visit the 'Character' display, and to see Joe's jersey there.
Daily Mail
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Kansas City Chiefs pay tribute to star player who died trying to save three children from drowning
The Kansas City Chiefs have paid tribute to former team running back Joe Delaney, who passed away 42 years ago Sunday trying to save three children from drowning near his offseason home in Louisiana. Delaney was 24 in June 1983, prepping for his third NFL season with the Chiefs, when he visited Critter's Creek, a former amusement park in Monroe, Louisiana. It was then when he saw three children screaming for help in a water hole left by construction and not intended for swimming. Delaney did not know how to swim but jumped in to save the three children anyway. He saved one child, who got out of the water without any injuries. Another was transported to a hospital and later passed away. Police later recovered the bodies of Delaney and the third child, with Critter's Creek being closed to the public ever since that day. The Chiefs' paid tribute to him on social media on Sunday. '42 years ago today, Joe Delaney tragically passed away a hero, attempting to save three children from drowning. We'll never forget his sacrifice,' the Chiefs posted to social media with a heart emoji. 'Forever hero,' ESPN's Adam Schefter replied. 'He could have been one of the best. I have no doubt Joe would be in the same conversation as the great running backs of the 80s. But most importantly, he was a hero. And his name should be known to everyone who loves this game,' one Chiefs fan said. Delaney's only full NFL season was in 1981, where he finished with 1,121 rushing yards and three touchdowns - great stats for a first-year player. His 1982 campaign was cut short due to a player strike and an eye injury, only seeing the field for eight games. Since Delaney's passing, no Chiefs player has worn No 37, as he has been inducted into the Chiefs' Hall of Honor in 2004. That means those visiting Arrowhead Stadium to see Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and others play during their current stellar run are able to see Delaney's name etched into the venue.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
42 years later, Joe Delaney's sacrifice still resonates
Every June 29, we remember the sacrifice Joe Delaney made. Every June 29, we hear from people who hadn't heard about Joe Delaney's sacrifice. That's all the more reason to honor him every year, on this day. Advertisement June 29, 1983. Delaney, only 24 years old and two years into his NFL career, gave his life while trying to save three children from drowning. The children were struggling in a man-made pond in Monroe, Louisiana. Delaney didn't hesitate to help. 'I can't swim good, but I've got to save those kids,' he said. 'If I don't come up, get somebody.' I still remember seeing the AP article in the newspaper the next day, 42 years ago. I can picture where I was standing when I flipped to the page and read the story for the first time. He was one of the bright young stars of the league. The second-round pick from Northwestern State rushed for 1,121 yards as a rookie in 1981, giving Kansas City its first winning record since 1973. Advertisement An eye injury and a 57-day in-season strike limited his output in 1982, but the future remained bright for Delaney. He nevertheless didn't think twice when he saw three young strangers who badly needed his help. Delaney left behind three young daughters of his own. While tragic for all involved, it was an act of rare and extreme heroism. It should never be forgotten. Joe Delaney's name resides in the Ring of Honor at Arrowhead Stadium. We can't control what the NFL or others may or may not do to properly preserve his memory. For as long as our lights are on and our doors are open, every June 29 will be devoted to remembering Joe Delaney. And, every June 29, a new set of football fans will learn for the first time about his sacrifice.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
The Kansas City Chiefs' jersey number no one dares to wear — and the heartbreaking reason why
In a league dominated by stats, rings, and highlight reels, the Kansas City Chiefs have chosen to honor one of their own in a far more meaningful and quiet way. While jersey retirements are often grand public gestures, there's one number in Kansas City that hasn't seen the field in over four decades — and that's by design. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Joe Delaney 's heroism transcended the game of football Jersey No. 37, once worn by Joe Delaney, holds a legacy so profound that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and the franchise have made it an unspoken rule: no player, not even Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce, will ever wear it again. Delaney's NFL career may have been short, but his impact remains unmatched. Drafted in 1981, Delaney burst onto the scene with Pro Bowl-caliber talent and the heart of a warrior. But it's not his performance on the field that forever etched his name in Chiefs history — it's the selfless act that cost him his life. In 1983, Delaney jumped into a Louisiana pond to save three drowning children, despite not knowing how to swim himself. One child survived. Two did not. Neither did Delaney. His sacrifice stunned the nation and prompted then-President Ronald Reagan to say: "He made the ultimate sacrifice by placing the lives of three children above regard for his own safety." Why the Chiefs have quietly kept No. 37 out of circulation Although the team has never held a formal jersey retirement ceremony for No. 37, the number has been quietly removed from the roster for more than 40 years. Chiefs beat writer Pete Sweeney once confirmed this subtle tribute: "Head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs have made sure no player will ever wear No. 37 again, even if it's not officially retired." There's no banner in the stadium, no announcement at press conferences — just an unspoken, unwavering respect for what Delaney stood for. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In an era where greatness is often defined by Super Bowl wins or MVP titles, the Chiefs' decision reminds us that true heroism lies in character. Joe Delaney's story is not about touchdowns or tackles — it's about courage, sacrifice, and an enduring symbol of humanity. Also Read: By never reissuing No. 37, the Chiefs honor a legacy far greater than football. And that silent tribute might just be the loudest message of all.
