Joe Delaney left behind a legacy off the field rather than on it
By Chris Taylor
June 29th, 1983. Not only did the Chiefs lose a family member in Joe Delaney, but a wife lost a husband, two little girls lost their daddy, and the world lost a hero.
The story of Joe Delaney has been covered on many fronts—from documentaries to numerous articles written about a man with so much potential on the field, and even more to give off of it. That is where Delaney truly shined, as a man with a heart of gold. Off the field, in other words, is where you will find his legacy.
Delaney’s legacy is more deserving than just a mention once each year on this date. In his passing, he arguably left a larger legacy than many do in an entire lifetime. He showed the entire world what it meant to put someone else’s life in front of their own. He showed us what a man with heart can achieve. He simply cared for everyone else over himself.
Delaney took the NFL by storm, recieving the Rookie of the Year award in 1981. He broke four team records that season that stood for two decades. In his short time running the ball for the Kansas City Chiefs, he was compared to the likes of Gale Sayers and Walter Payton. His football future was as bright as the sun. His heart was bigger.
On this date 34 years ago, while enjoying a day at Critters Creek in Monroe, Louisiana, he attempted to save 3 children who had wandered too far into the water. Without hesitation he dove into the water, putting these kids lives over his own. In his attempt, he lost his own life, and two of the children perished as well.
To think about a man, who didn’t know how to swim himself, diving into the water to save some strangers’ lives, well that should give you chills. How many of us can say we would do the same thing?
His number 37 has since not been worn by anyone within the organization.
Joe Delaney left behind a legacy, in my opinion, that is greater than any other Chief. He gave his life to try to save another. One could say his story is a tragedy, I say his story is a story of motivation. If Joe could easily give his life for a stranger in need, then each of us should be willing to help those in need.
Joe Alton Delaney will always be a role model. He should be a symbol for heroism and a symbol for what is right in humanity. I encourage all who read the story of Joe to honor him in doing something great for someone who needs it. No matter the cost to you or me, it does not compare to the life he sacrificed.