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The word “hero” is launched in these days. Some people deserve the label, such as firefighters, nurses, doctors, etc. However, we sometimes use the term when remarkable athletic actions are discussed. Even recently, Tyrese Haliburton was dubbed Indiana Pacers Playoff’s “hero” because he hit four different games/game winner. But when we are talking about heroes in the world of sports, we must always mention the ancient heads of Kansas City, who travel Joe Delaney, who lost his life on June 29, 1983, while trying to save three children from drowning -although he was not a good swimmer.
Delaney named himself as he played university football at the Northwestern State University of Louisiana from 1977 to 1980. He was appointed all American while precipitating for 3,047 Yiardes and 31 Touchdowns during his college degree. As a result, his number was withdrawn from the school in 1980, and was then consecrated at the College Football Fame in 1997.
Delaney’s prolific college career attracted the attention of the National Football League, which led him to be selected by the Kansas City heads in the second round of the 1981 NFL project. He had one of the best Rookie seasons of all time, and was rushed by 1,121 yards while registered 22 receptions for 246 reception gardens. His performance in the countryside earned him a place at the Pro Bowl and the AFC Rookie of the Year of 1981.
Unfortunately, Delaney could not replicate the same success in 1981 next season. A strike by NFL players, along with an eye injury, limited Delaney to only eight games during the 1982 season. Although he showed many promises as a football player, he never played in another NFL game due to his heroic sacrifice.
On June 29, 1983, Delaney drove a group of children to a Monroe Park, Louisiana for an “Children’s Day” event Sponsored by a local television station, according to the NCAA files. While in the park, three children swam toward a water hole left by some recent buildings. Shortly after venturing in the water hole, the three children began to cry to help. Although he did not know how to swim well, Joe Delaney jumped to try to save children anyway.
Today, 42 years ago, Joe Delaney tragically died a hero, trying to save three children from drowning. We will never forget its sacrifice ❤️ pic.twitter.com/udyk3xvjum
– Chiefs of Kansas City (@chiefs) June 29, 2025
)I can’t swim well but i have to save these kids“, He told a boy who asked if he knew how to swim.” If I don’t get, I get someone. “
Managed to help one of the children return to the coast without damage. Unfortunately, Derangey and the other two children drowned before they could save themselves.
“When those young children needed help, he gave up their lives trying to save them. He was not swimmer. He had no business around the water, much less trying to save someone who drowned,” said the former team of any team Tom Condon. “You just can’t say it in words. The man had a tremendous heart; it was special.”
Although Delaney lost his life and could only save one of the three children, his heroics and selfless people continue to do this during the anals of history.
A few weeks after his passage, Delaney was posthumously granted to the Presidential Citizens Medal By the President of the United States Ronald Regan, who said: “He made the definitive sacrifice by putting the life of three children above his possess Security. With the supreme example of courage and compassion, this brilliant young man left a spiritual legacy for his north -Americans. “”
Yesterday marked the 40th anniversary of Joe Delay’s death, a hero who gave his life trying to save three children from drowning.
In his honor, the Joe Delaney Learn to Swim program was created to teach children to swim and avoid drowning. pic.twitter.com/2dzjihliz9
– Trey Smith (@treysmith) June 30, 2023
Several prominent organizations found ways to honor Delaney’s life and legacy. In 1984, the NCAA awarded Delaney the NCAA Valor Award. In 2004, the chiefs retired not officially withdraw their number 37 and induced it to the team’s ring. Even today, the Northwestern State University offers the Joe Delaney Memorial Leadership Award to the team’s permanent captains every year.
“His humility, his selflessness, his inspirational skills were really notable,” said the former President of the North State University -West, Randall J. Webb. “The heroic way in which our world left typifies the way we live every day.”
On that tragic day of 1983, there was nothing that prevented Joe Delaney from trying to help these children. This is evidenced by the fact that his NCAA profile claims, “Delaney had a lifelong story of helping others.”
Doing what he did, knowing that he was a poor swimmer, he is the kind of courage that makes the world a better place. Joe Delaney owned the character and courage that we could all benefit from a day and time where so much vitriol, violence and hatred in the world.
Every year, when it arrives on June 29, we should take a moment to remember Joe Delaney and the final sacrifice he made. More important still, if we can try to remember Delaney’s actions and cover the bravery and selflessness he embodied, then we can create a world that Joe Delaney would be proud.
