'Tragically Passed Away A Hero': Kansas City Chiefs Honor RB Who Died Rescuing 3 Children

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs honored a former player who died while attempting to save the lives of three children. The tragedy occurred before the player’s third season in the league.

Joe Delaney, 24, died while trying to save the lives of three children in danger of drowning in a pond in Monroe, Louisiana. Delaney, who could not swim, rushed into the water when the kids began screaming for help.

A rising star on the Kansas City Chiefs died a hero

'Tragically Passed Away A Hero': Kansas City Chiefs Honor RB Who Died Rescuing 3 Children — A Kansas City Chiefs helmet against the Cincinnati Bengals before the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Delaney was able to save the life of one child, but the other two died along with Delaney.

The incident occurred in the 1983 NFL offseason. Delaney, a second-round pick by the Chiefs in 1981, had earned a Pro Bowl appearance for his rookie season, and he appeared on his way to becoming a star for Kansas City.

The standout at Northwestern State broke four then-Chiefs franchise records during his brief career: most yards in a single season (1,121), most yards in a single game (193), most consecutive 100-yard-plus games (three), and most 100-yard games in a season (five).

The NFL community remembers Joe Delaney

On Sunday, the Chiefs posted a remembrance of the fallen hero.

“42 years ago today, Joe Delaney tragically passed away a hero, attempting to save three children from drowning. We’ll never forget his sacrifice,” the Chiefs posted on X.

“Forever hero,” wrote ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“Although not a chiefs fan, his picture was hanging in my high school locker! To me he was a hero for his sacrifice,” posted another.

“He could have been one of the best. I have no doubt Joe would be in the same conversation as the great running backs of the 80s. But most importantly, he was a hero. And his name should be known to everyone who loves this game,” wrote a fan.

“‘I can’t swim good, but I’ve got to save those kids. If I don’t come up, get somebody’ A hero never dies til the last time his name is spoken,” posted another.

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