Forty Years Ago on This Day, 24-Year-Old Chiefs RB Died a Tragic Death in an Attempt To Save Three Drowning Kids

On June 29, 1983, Kansas City Chiefs running back Joe Delaney displayed selflessness, sacrificing his own life in an attempt to save three young boys who were in danger. The incident took place in Delaney’s home state of Louisiana, where a man-made pond became the foreground for an act of selflessness that would leave an unforgettable mark on the hearts and minds of the nation.

In the 1981 season, while Delaney’s stint with the Chiefs, he was the prime contributor in setting up several records for the Chiefs like most yards in a season, most yards in a game, and most 100-yard games in a season. Joe Delaney’s sudden and tragic demise at the age of 24 left behind a devastated wife and three young daughters. Though Delaney’s heroic act remains immortal across the nation. On the 40th anniversary of his selfless act, NFL world pays tribute to a true hero whose memory will be forever remembered.

Joe Delaney’s heroic act

On a fateful summer day in 1983, a trio of boys got into a man-made pond at a park in Louisiana. Noticing them struggling in the water, the running back didn’t hesitate to jump into the pond, considering he wasn’t a swimmer. 

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As he rushed towards the water to rescue the struggling boys, Delaney’s words reverberated with a determination that knew no bounds. “I can’t swim good, but I’ve got to save those kids,” Delaney uttered as he headed toward the pond. “If I don’t come up, get somebody.”

However, he managed to save one of the boys, and two others drowned. In the tragic incident, Joe Delaney couldn’t manage to rescue himself and succumbed to the depths of the water. Delaney’s passing at the young age of 24 left behind a grieving wife and three young daughters. Moreover, his sacrifice demonstrated the depths of his compassion and the lengths he was willing to go to protect others.

Remembering Joe Delaney

Joe Delaney was drafted by the three times Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. Delaney was born on October 30, 1958, in Henderson city of Texas. Despite facing backlash from his father on playing football, he carved his way as a promising wide receiver for the Chiefs. Moreover, in his rookie season, his speed and agility earned him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Bowl. Throughout his relatively short NFL career, Delaney served Kansas City Chiefs, by accumulating 1,121 rushing yards and scoring three touchdowns.

Remembering Joe Delaney four decades after his tragic passing, along with his heroic act and his contributions to the world of football. Delaney’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come and serve as a reminder of the compassion and the enduring spirit of heroism that resides within us all.

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