Joe Delaney's Legacy Lives On 37 Years Later

Thirty-seven years before the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV, former Kansas City Chiefs running back Joe Delaney gave his life attempting to rescue three children from a pond. He continues to be remembered in Chiefs Kingdom and beyond.

Thirty-seven years ago, former Kansas City Chiefs running back Joe Delaney lost his life after jumping into a pond attempting to save three children at Chennault Park in Monroe, Louisiana.

Delaney, who wore No. 37 for the Chiefs, was honored with a monument on June 27 commemorating his selfless act in the location the events took place.

37 years ago today, Joe Delaney tragically passed away after attempting to save three children. pic.twitter.com/Rx3qp0WHXl

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) June 29, 2020

Marvin Dearman, the rescue diver for the Monroe Police Department who responded to the scene, said to KNOE News that Delaney knew what he had to do.

“He jumped in that pond to save some children who were drowning, and he knew he couldn’t swim, but that didn’t matter to him,” Dearman said. “All he thought about was he was going to try to save those kids.”

After the Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV, 37 years after Delaney’s death, Dearman knew it was time to honor the late hero.

Scenes from road trip to Monroe, La., for dedication of monument to No. 37, Joe Delaney, at the site of his heroic death 37 years ago. HOFer Johnny Robinson at left in gold jacket to pay respects. In Delaney jersey to right is Marvin Dearman, police diver who tried to save him. pic.twitter.com/VaRKNP6fz1

— Vahe Gregorian (@vgregorian) June 28, 2020

With many others, Dearman decided to make sure there was a monument to not only remember Delaney’s actions that day but to remember the man that he was.

Before the ceremony, Delaney’s widow, Carolyn, and other family members hadn’t been to the site of his passing. But now, they’ll have a reason to return.

“He died a hero, and there’s a story about him that will live on forever,” Dearman said.

Delaney was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Ronald Reagan in the weeks following his death.

.@ChiefsReporter is joined by five special guests to talk about and remember the life of Chiefs great Joe Delaney on the 37th anniversary of his tragic passing.

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) June 29, 2020

Former teammates and coaches heralded Delaney’s athletic achievements as well. He rushed for 1,121 yards and three touchdowns in his rookie campaign in 1981. Delaney appeared in 23 games for the Chiefs.

Former Chiefs Head Coach Marv Levy said Delaney would have been a Hall of Famer and Northwestern State teammate Barry Rubin said he was “the closest thing to Walter Payton.”

Joe Delaney was 24.