On this day 43 years ago, Kansas City Chiefs star running back Joe Delaney died a hero.
Delaney, then 24, was coming off his second season in the National Football League. His future was extremely bright. Delaney was a Pro Bowler as a rookie and one of the most talented running backs in the league.
But on June 29, 1983, tragedy struck. Delaney, who grew up in Louisiana, was back home. He noticed some children struggling to swim in a pond in Monroe, Louisiana
“I can’t swim good, but I’ve got to save those kids,” Delaney reportedly said before going into the pond. “If I don’t come up, get somebody.”
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Tragically, Delaney ended up dying that day, while attempting to save the drowning children from the pond. One of the children was saved while the other ended up dying at the hospital.
The Chiefs running back left behind a wife and three young daughters.
The NFL world is remembering Delaney on Monday
The Chiefs remembered Delaney on Monday as a hero.
"On this day in 1983, Joe Delaney died a hero attempting to save three children from drowning. Today and always, we honor his memory and sacrifice," the Chiefs remembered.
NFL fans are remembering him, too.
"He saw three kids drowning in a pond. Delaney couldn't even swim. When someone warned him he said I can't swim good but I've got to save those kids. Tragically he and two of the boys didn't make it but one kid survived. He was an NFL Pro Bowler and only 24," one fan noted.
"Joe Delaneys story always makes me so sad. He was too good for this world. The greatest Northwestern State Demon ever," one fan added.
"I’ve been to his memorial at that park. I’m so glad his memory lives on. Never forgotten," one fan added.
"I was in high school when this happened and I remember hearing about it back then. Sad and him trying made him a very special person," one fan added.
May he rest in peace.
