37 years following the death of Kansas City Chiefs RB Joe Delaney, his heroic legacy is still being honored by those who know his story. Now, everyone who visits Chennault Park in Monroe, Louisiana will have an opportunity to learn of his courage and sacrifice. On Saturday, a monument was unveiled and dedicated to Delaney, close to the pond where he drowned trying to rescue three children in June 29, 1983.
Delaney was a rising star in the Chiefs organization. He’d been selected out of Northwestern State in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. He rushed for 1,121 yards and three touchdowns during his rookie season, earning a Pro Bowl nod and AFC Rookie of the Year honors. His hard work and perseverance proved that he’d be more than a situational running back in Kansas City. His second season was cut short due to a labor strike and an injury, but it was clear that he was the future for the Chiefs.
During the offseason of 1983, Delaney came across three children trying to beat the Summer heat in a pond, but soon realized they were in distress. Despite being unable to swim himself, Delaney jumped into the pond, saving the life of one boy but perishing along with the two other children.
Marvin Dearman, a police officer and diver, was the first to arrive on the scene. Unfortunately, he arrived too late to save Delaney and one boy. One child was rescued but later died at the hospital. Dearman has long been an advocate for celebrating the life of Delaney and was the man behind the push to get the funding for this monument.
“When I had this vision, Kansas City won the Super Bowl,” Dearman said at the monument dedication, via the Monroe News-Star. “I watched it on TV that night. The next morning I worked up and I said ‘You know what? Joe Delaney drowned 37 years ago. Kansas City just won the Super Bowl on the 37th anniversary of his death, and his jersey number was 37.”
According to the Monroe News-Star, Delaney’s monument was ultimately donated by a number of different contributors. The funds raised by Dearman and others were presented to Delaney’s family at the unveiling. The money will go to the Delaney37Foundation, which helps teach children to swim.
At the unveiling, Delaney’s family members were joined by Dearman, former teammates and coaches from Northwestern State, and members of the Chiefs organization. Hall of Fame defensive back and Louisiana native Johnny Robinson was there. Chiefs strength and conditioning coach, Barry Rubin, who also played with Delaney at Northwestern State, was among those in attendance.
“The people in Kansas City have not forgotten Joe,” Rubin said, via the Monroe News-Star. “They love him and still talk about him, and all his teammates have not forgotten about him. We all love and miss Joe Delaney, and I know God has a special place for Joe in heaven.”
As football players continue to be characterized as un-American for their peaceful protest of racial injustice, it’s more important than ever to remember Delaney’s courageous action on that fateful day. The monument to Delaney reads as follows:
“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.“
[vertical-gallery id=71164]