Kansas City Chiefs RB Joe Delaney’s selfless act of heroism lives on 42 years after his death
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Kansas City Chiefs News
*Editor’s Note: This story was originally published on June 29, 2024, and has been updated.
June 29, 2025, marks the 42nd anniversary of the tragic yet heroic death of former Kansas City Chiefs RB Joe Delaney.
Delaney played college football at Northwestern State University of Louisiana. He recorded 3,047 yards rushing and 31 rushing touchdowns in four seasons for the Demons. His performance caught the attention of NFL scouts, and the Chiefs selected him with the 41st pick in the second round of the 1981 NFL draft. Just like that, a star was born.
After a dominant rookie season with 234 carries for 1,121 yards and three rushing scores, Delaney earned AFC Rookie of the Year honors and a trip to the Pro Bowl. The 5-foot-9 and 180-pound back contributed to what was the first winning season for Kansas City in nearly a decade, helping change the tide for an organization that struggled to find its way after its early NFL success.
“He played every down like it was his last down,” former Chiefs S Lloyd Burruss said. “He wasn’t a big guy, but he’d run the ball right up into a 250-280 pound lineman and he wouldn’t think twice about it. And he did that week in and week out.”
Delaney had a bright future ahead of him, but it was cut short by a harrowing sacrifice that is still remembered today. Following the 1982 NFL season, the 24-year-old Delaney returned to his hometown of Haughton, Louisiana for the offseason. On June 29th, 1983, Delaney would travel to Monroe, Louisiana, where he’d join friends at Chenault Park.As the 24-year-old Delaney made his way through the park, he came upon three children crying for help. They’d waded into a shallow man-made pond and were in distress. Without even thinking about the fact that he couldn’t swim, Delaney rushed to take action.
Delaney dove into the pond in an attempt to save the three children. He was able to rescue one child, while another child was taken to an emergency room, where they later perished. Delaney and a third victim would not survive the incident.
Remembering Chiefs RB Joe Delaney’s selfless act
Every year on this day, I take the time to remind fans throughout the Chiefs Kingdom and the NFL of Delaney’s heroism and selflessness. He didn’t know the children he sought to rescue, but he knew that they were in trouble. He knew that he couldn’t stand by without attempting to help, even at great personal risk.
Over the years, Delaney’s legacy has been honored by those in Kansas City and his home state of Louisiana. In 2020, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas proclaimed Oct. 30 (Delaney’s birthday) as “Joe Delaney Day” in Kansas City. Just two years ago, a monument was erected in Delaney’s honor in Monroe, Louisiana, at Chenault Park. Those who visit the park will learn of his story and his sacrifice, as the inscription on the monument reads:
Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another.
Joe Delaney died on June 29, 1983 while attempting to rescue three children from drowning. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal from U.S. President Ronald W. Reagan. He made the ultimate sacrifice by placing the lives of three children above the regard for his own safety. By the supreme example of courage and compassion, this brilliantly gifted young man left a spiritual legacy for all fellow Americans.
The Chiefs have unofficially retired his No. 37 jersey number, which hasn’t been worn since he last suited up for the club in January of 1983.
Perhaps the greatest testament to his legacy is the Joe Delaney Learn to Swim Program, which GEHA and the Hunt Family Foundation now fund. It has been Delaney’s impact and legacy, saving lives four decades after his death. Had such a program existed in Delaney’s hometown when he was growing up, he might still be with us today. Now, kids in his hometown and all over the country are learning to swim thanks to Delaney and those who celebrate his life and legacy.
