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Joe Alton Delaney (/dɪˈleɪni/; October 30, 1958 – June 29, 1983)[1] was an American professional football player who was a running back for two seasons in the National Football League (NFL).[2][3] In his two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Delaney set four franchise records that would stand for more than 20 years. His nephew is Terrace Marshall Jr.

Key Information

He was a two-time All-American athlete for the Northwestern State Demons football team, as well as a track and field star. Delaney played two seasons with the Chiefs and was chosen as the AFC Rookie of the Year in 1981 by United Press International.[3]

Delaney died on June 29, 1983, while attempting to rescue three children from drowning in a pond in Monroe in northeastern Louisiana. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizen's Medal from U.S. President Ronald W. Reagan. While not officially retired, his jersey number while playing for the Chiefs, No. 37, has not been worn since his death.[3]

Early life

[edit]

The third of Woodrow and Eunice Delaney's eight children, Delaney was born in Henderson, on October 30, 1958, and attended Haughton High School in Bossier Parish in northwestern Louisiana.[1][3][4] Discouraged by his father from pursuing his dreams of playing football,[5] Delaney became the starting wide receiver by his junior year at Haughton.[3] Major Division I schools that scouted him included Grambling State,[3] Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana State.[6]

Delaney played for Division I-AA's Northwestern State Demons from 1977 to 1980.[7] After telling his coach of his willingness to play football at the collegiate level, Delaney switched to the running back position.[3] He went on to be an All-American selection in 1979 and 1980.[8] While at Northwestern State, Delaney met his future wife, Carolyn, and they had two children by his senior year.[6]

On October 28, 1978, Delaney carried the ball 28 times and gained 299 yards for Northwestern State against Nicholls State University with 263 of the yards coming in the game's second half.[7] Delaney's rushing stats in the second half of the game are an NCAA record. In the same game, he scored four touchdowns, one of which was on a 90-yard run, as he led his team to a 28–18 victory.[3][7][8]

Delaney finished his career at Northwestern State with 3,047 yards rushing, 31 touchdowns, and 188 points.[7] In 1980, his senior season, he was ranked eighth in the nation in all-purpose rushing yards.[7] On November 22, 1980, he played his last game at Northwestern State and the school retired his jersey, number 44, at halftime.[7][8] Delaney was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.[2]

At Northwestern State, Delaney also starred in track. In high school, he ran the 100 yard dash in 9.4 seconds and was on the Northwestern State track and field team, which won the NCAA 400-meter relay in 1981.[3] He holds the school 200 meter dash record with a time of 20.64 seconds.[8][9]

Professional career

[edit]

Delaney was selected in the second round of the 1981 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs.[10] United Press International named him Rookie of the Year of the American Football Conference for the 1981 NFL season after he rushed for 1,121 yards, set four club records, and averaged 80.9 yards a game.[3][8][10] Delaney's effort helped propel the Chiefs to a 9–7 record, the team's first winning season since 1973.[2][9] In his rookie season, he was selected to the Pro Bowl after setting Chiefs records for most yards in a season (1,121), most yards in a game (193 vs. Houston), most consecutive 100-yard-plus games (three) and most 100-yard games in a season (five).[3][10]

After coming off the bench to record 101 rushing yards in his initial NFL action at New England, he ran for 106 yards and registered 104 receiving yards in his first professional start against Oakland.[9] In the Chiefs' October 18, 1981, game against the Denver Broncos, Delaney broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown run, but an offside penalty caused the play to be restarted from five yards back. On the second play after the penalty, Delaney scored an 82-yard touchdown,[3][11] the longest rushing play from scrimmage in the 1981 NFL season.[1][10]

Following Delaney's record-setting 196-yard rushing performance against the Houston Oilers on November 15, 1981,[12] Oilers defensive end (and future Pro Football Hall of Famer) Elvin Bethea was quoted in saying:[9][13]

I've played against the best–O. J. Simpson, Gale Sayers, Walter Payton and (Delaney) ranks right up there with them ... He is great with a capital G.

A strike by NFL players and an eye injury limited Delaney's playing time in the 1982 NFL season.[8] He underwent surgery to repair a detached retina,[13] and only registered 380 rushing yards in the nine-game shortened season, which the Chiefs finished with a 3–6 record.[1] Delaney averaged 4.6 yards per carry, 9.1 yards per reception, and registered 1,811 all-purpose yards during his career with three touchdowns.[1][14]

Professional statistics

[edit]
Year Team GP Rushing Receiving Kick returns Fum
Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Ret Yds Avg Lng TD
1981 KC 15 234 1,121 4.8 82 3 22 246 11.2 61 0 1 11 11.0 11 0 9
1982 KC 8 95 380 4.0 36 0 11 53 4.8 13 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Career 23 329 1,501 4.6 82 3 33 299 9.1 61 0 1 11 11.0 11 0 0

Source:[1]

Death and legacy

[edit]

Delaney had a lifelong history of helping others[7] and once paid for the funeral of a former teacher whose family could not afford a proper service.[3] On June 29, 1983, Delaney, who was living in nearby Ruston,[15] went with friends to Critter's Creek, an amusement center at Chennault Park in Monroe, Louisiana. While reportedly discouraging swimming children from venturing too far out in a pond, Delaney dove in to save three children who were screaming for help, floundering in a water hole left by recent construction work.[3][7][14][15] The water hole, which covered two acres and was six feet (one point eight metres) deep,[3][16] was not intended for swimming but to add to the park's aesthetics.[3][17] Despite his inability to swim,[18] Delaney nevertheless tried to rescue the children.[6][19] One child managed to get out of the water without harm and another was taken to an emergency room where he later died; police recovered the body of Delaney and the remaining child.[3][7][17] The amusement park has since been closed to the public.[3][7][15]

Delaney's name is commemorated at Arrowhead Stadium in the Kansas City Chiefs ring of honor.[5]

Three thousand people attended Delaney's burial and memorial service on July 4, which was held in the sweltering heat of the Haughton High School gymnasium. Many fanned themselves with fans provided by the funeral home to combat the oppressive heat.[3][13][16] President Ronald Reagan honored Delaney with the Presidential Citizens Medal on July 15, and it was presented to Delaney's family by Vice President George H. W. Bush.[3][9][10] Reagan's words were:[7]

He made the ultimate sacrifice by placing the lives of three children above regard for his own safety. By the supreme example of courage and compassion, this brilliantly gifted young man left a spiritual legacy for his fellow Americans.

For the 1983 NFL season, the Chiefs honored Delaney by wearing a circular patch bearing a gold eagle and the number 37 on the upper-left chest of their uniforms. Haughton High School also made a park, Joe Delaney Park, in his memory.[10][20] The NCAA posthumously awarded Delaney the NCAA Award of Valor in 1984.[2][14] Louisiana Governor Dave Treen presented the Louisiana State Civilian Bravery Award to Delaney's family following his death.[14]

Delaney's heroism is honored through an award for one of the NFL's best running backs who also demonstrates admirable character and unselfishness, traits that were embodied by Delaney.[8] The award is given annually by ProFootballTalk.com.

Northwestern State's football permanent team captains award, the Joe Delaney Memorial Leadership award, is named in his honor, as is the annual spring football game ("Delaney Bowl")[9] and a golf tournament that generates support for the athletic program.[6][8] A permanent shrine honoring him sits under the home stands at Northwestern State's Turpin Stadium and his number 44 jersey hangs in the football offices.[6][8] In Virginia, the Delaney Athletic Conference took its name to honor his memory in the fall of 1983, and until 2021, 13 Virginia private high schools comprised the DAC.[9]

A group of Chiefs fans in Kansas City formed the "37Forever Foundation", which works with the American Red Cross to provide swimming lessons for underprivileged children.[6][8][16] The Kansas City Chiefs unofficially retired Delaney's jersey number 37 following his death,[16][19] and he was elected to the team's Hall of Fame in 2004.[2] His name is included in the Chiefs' ring of honor at Arrowhead Stadium.[5][9] Delaney is also the uncle of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Joe Delaney

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from Grokipedia
Joe Delaney (October 30, 1958 – June 29, 1983) was an American football running back who played two seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League (NFL), earning acclaim as a dynamic rookie before his tragic death while attempting to rescue drowning children. Born in , Delaney excelled in athletics at in , where he was a two-time All-American in football and contributed to the school's championship 4x100-meter relay team in . During his college career, he set records, including a single-game rushing performance of 299 yards and four touchdowns against Nicholls State in 1978, which shattered school, state, and marks at the time. Selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the (41st overall), Delaney quickly established himself as a star, rushing for 1,121 yards in his rookie season—then a franchise record—and earning AFC Rookie of the Year honors, selection, and Chiefs MVP award. In 23 career games, Delaney amassed 1,501 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 299 receiving yards, highlighted by a 193-yard performance against the in 1981, the third-highest single-game total in Chiefs history. His contributions helped the Chiefs achieve a 9-7 record in 1981, their first since 1973. Delaney's career was poised for greater success when, on June 29, 1983, at age 24, he drowned in a man-made pond at Chennault Park in , after heroically entering the water—despite admitting he could not swim well—to save three young boys; one child survived, but Delaney and the other two perished. In recognition of his selflessness, Delaney was posthumously awarded the by President on July 13, 1983, and the NCAA Award of Valor in 1984. He was inducted into the in 1997 and the Chiefs Hall of Honor in 2004, and in 2025 the featured him in its "Character" exhibit honoring his heroism. Delaney left behind a wife and three young daughters, and a permanent memorial was established in his honor at Chennault Park in 2020.

Early life

Family background

Joe Delaney was born on October 30, 1958, in , as the third of eight children to Woodrow and Eunice Delaney. His father worked as a cattle truck driver, providing for the family through demanding manual labor in a working-class environment marked by financial hardship. Eunice, his mother, contributed as a housekeeper, helping to sustain the household amid economic challenges that required careful resource management. The Delaney family relocated to , in 1967 when Joe was about nine years old, seeking better opportunities in the rural community near Shreveport. This move immersed them in humble rural living conditions, where the emphasis on community support and resilience shaped daily life. Growing up in a large family fostered close sibling bonds, including with his twin sister JoAnn, and instilled values of perseverance and mutual reliance. The household dynamics often involved shared responsibilities, such as assisting with chores that built a strong from an early age. Delaney's early exposure to sports came through informal play with siblings and neighborhood children in Haughton, sparking his interest despite his father's initial reluctance due to concerns over injury risks. This family environment, centered on hard work and familial support, laid the foundation for his character and later pursuits.

High school career

Delaney attended Haughton High School in , graduating in 1977. There, he initially focused on football as a and , receiving limited exposure as a due to the team's positional needs. This setup allowed him to demonstrate versatility and overall athletic ability in defensive and offensive roles. On the track, Delaney quickly established himself as an elite sprinter, going undefeated in the and 220-yard dashes during his junior year. He maintained that dominance into his senior year, winning every race he entered and earning recognition as Louisiana's fastest high school athlete in both 1976 and 1977. His recorded time of 9.4 seconds in the underscored the blazing speed that would later characterize his football playing style. Delaney's accomplishments in football and track drew recruitment interest from more than 15 college programs, including several major universities. He ultimately committed to Northwestern State University, influenced by the personal rapport and trust built with head coach A.L. Williams.

College career

Northwestern State University

Joe Delaney enrolled at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in 1977 as a freshman, initially playing as a wide receiver before transitioning primarily to the running back position under the coaching staff's guidance. His high school speed, evident in sub-10-second 100-yard dashes, helped facilitate this shift to a role that capitalized on his agility and burst. As a in 1977, Delaney saw limited action, appearing in 11 games with 85 carries for 275 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, averaging 3.2 yards per attempt while adjusting to the level. His year in 1978 marked a breakout, as he exploded for 170 carries, 945 yards, and 9 touchdowns over 11 games, averaging 5.6 yards per carry; a highlight was his performance against Nicholls State, where he rushed for 299 yards and 4 touchdowns on 28 carries, including an NCAA-record 263 yards in the second half alone. In 1979 as a junior, he maintained consistent production with 139 carries for 717 yards and 6 touchdowns in 9 games, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. Delaney capped his senior season in 1980 with a school-record 1,110 rushing yards, earning national recognition for his performance. Over his four seasons at Northwestern State, Delaney amassed 3,047 rushing yards with 31 touchdowns, setting a school career rushing record that underscored his transformation into a premier college . Beyond football, he excelled in , setting a Northwestern State record in the 200-meter dash with a time of 20.64 seconds that stood for nearly three decades. During his time at the university, Delaney met and married his wife, Carolyn, and by his graduation in 1980, they had welcomed two children.

Awards and athletic records

During his tenure at Northwestern State University, Joe Delaney earned recognition as a two-time in 1979 and 1980, highlighting his exceptional performance among Division I-AA players nationwide. These honors underscored his rushing prowess, as he led the Demons in yardage and touchdowns during those seasons. Delaney set multiple school records that stood as testaments to his dominance, including a single-game rushing mark of 299 yards on 28 carries against Nicholls State in 1978, which also established an NCAA record for a single half with 263 yards in the second half. He amassed 1,110 rushing yards in the 1980 season and concluded his career with 3,047 total rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, figures that cemented his place in Demons history. In honor of these achievements, Northwestern State retired his No. 44 jersey at halftime of his final home game on November 22, 1980. Delaney's athletic versatility extended to track and field, where he contributed to the Demons' 1981 NCAA Division I championship in the 4x100-meter relay and earned All-America honors that year. He also set school records in the 100 meters (10.26 seconds) and 200 meters (20.64 seconds), enhancing his reputation as a multifaceted from a smaller program. These accomplishments positioned him as a highly regarded prospect, leading to his selection in the second round of the 1981 draft by the despite his independent conference background.

Professional career

1981 rookie season

Delaney entered the NFL after being selected by the in the second round (41st overall) of the , a choice driven by his exceptional speed and elusiveness demonstrated in college game footage. His prior recognition as a two-time All-American at Northwestern State contributed to his draft position, highlighting his potential as a dynamic . As a , Delaney started the season in a backup role but quickly showcased his abilities, rushing for 101 yards on 18 carries, including a , in his debut off the bench during a Week 5 loss to the on October 4. He transitioned to the starting lineup mid-season, becoming a focal point of the Chiefs' offense and starting 10 of the team's 16 games. Over the full season, Delaney amassed 1,121 rushing yards on 234 carries for a 4.8-yard average and three touchdowns, while also contributing 246 receiving yards on 22 receptions. His breakout performance included a franchise rookie-record yards in a single game against the on November 15. These efforts established four Chiefs rookie records: most rushing yards (1,121), most rushing attempts (234), longest run (82 yards against the on October 18), and most 100-yard rushing games (five). Despite the Chiefs finishing with a 9-7 record and third place in the , missing the , Delaney's impact was undeniable; he earned UPI AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and a selection to the as an alternate. These accolades marked him as one of the league's most promising young players.

1982 season and injuries

Entering the as the projected starting following his standout rookie performance of 1,121 rushing yards and AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, Joe Delaney faced immediate setbacks. He underwent surgery in May to repair a detached in his right eye, an sustained from football trauma that required a cautious approach during . A subsequent further hampered his availability, restricting him to eight of the nine games in the strike-shortened schedule. Delaney's on-field output reflected these challenges, as he managed 380 rushing yards on 95 carries for a 4.0-yard and added 53 receiving yards on 11 catches, with no touchdowns scored. Despite the limitations, he displayed glimpses of his explosive 1981 form, such as averaging nearly 4 yards per carry in a post-strike matchup against the where he handled 18 rushes. The 57-day players' strike, which canceled seven weeks of games and reduced the regular season to just nine contests, compounded the injury issues by disrupting rhythm and recovery time for Delaney and his teammates. These factors contributed to broader offensive woes for the , who finished the season with a 3-6 record amid a league-wide contraction. The team's total rushing yardage stood at a modest 943 yards across the abbreviated campaign, with Delaney accounting for over 40% of that production in his limited appearances; his absences exacerbated the ground game's inefficiencies and highlighted the unit's struggles without its dynamic lead back.

Career statistics

Joe Delaney played 23 games over two seasons with the , accumulating 1,501 rushing yards on 329 carries for a 4.6-yard average and 3 rushing touchdowns, along with 299 receiving yards on 33 receptions for a 9.1-yard average and no receiving touchdowns.
YearTeamGPRush Att-YdsAvgTDRec-YdsAvgTD
1981KC15234-1,1214.8322-24611.20
1982KC895-3804.0011-534.80
Career23329-1,5014.6333-2999.10
Delaney's statistics highlight his efficiency as a runner, with a career 4.6 yards per carry achieved in limited opportunities across just 23 games. In 1981, he ranked second among rookies in rushing yards with 1,121, earning AFC Rookie of the Year honors from the . He held the ' single-season rookie rushing yardage record of 1,121 until it was surpassed by in 2017. His 1982 output was curtailed by injuries that limited him to eight games.

Death

Circumstances of the incident

On June 29, 1983, during the offseason following a 1982 season marred by knee injuries that limited him to just two games, Joe Delaney, then 24, was visiting family in his native . Around midday, three local boys—brothers LeMarkits Holland, 10, and Harry Holland Jr., 11, along with their 11-year-old cousin Lancer Perkins—ventured into a man-made at Chennault Park while playing near the Critter's Creek attraction. The , an abandoned filled with rainwater, spanned two acres with shallow edges that abruptly dropped off to depths of up to 20 feet, creating a hazardous trap for unwary swimmers; the boys, none of whom could swim well, quickly found themselves struggling in the deeper section after wading in unaware of the danger. Delaney, who had never learned to swim and had avoided bodies of water throughout his life, witnessed the boys' cries for help from the park's edge. Ignoring bystanders who urged caution due to his inexperience in water, he handed off his wallet to a friend and plunged into the murky fully clothed, attempting to reach the children despite the risk. He first aided LeMarkits Holland, pushing him toward shallower water where the boy was able to scramble to the bank on his own; however, as Delaney turned to assist Harry and Lancer, who were farther out and flailing in the deeper area, he became entangled in underwater weeds and exhausted, ultimately submerging without resurfacing. Emergency responders arrived shortly after, but the dark, debris-filled water complicated the search. That afternoon, police diver Marvin Dearman recovered the bodies of Delaney and Harry Holland Jr. from approximately 20 feet of water; Harry was pronounced dead at the scene. Lancer Perkins, critically injured, was pulled from the pond alive but died from complications at 2:05 a.m. the following day at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, bringing the total drownings to three.

Immediate aftermath

Bystanders and Monroe police officers, including Assistant Chief E.W. Smith, responded immediately to the scene at the pond in Chennault Park. diver Marvin Dearman recovered Delaney and 11-year-old Harry Holland Jr. from the water after they submerged. LeMarkits Holland, 10, had already reached the bank safely after being aided by Delaney. Lancer Perkins, 11, was pulled from the pond alive by responders but remained in critical condition. Delaney and Harry Holland Jr. were rushed to St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, where they were pronounced dead despite efforts at resuscitation; Lancer Perkins succumbed to his injuries at the same hospital early the following morning. The Ouachita Parish coroner's office ruled the deaths accidental drownings, attributing them to the victims' inability to swim in the unexpectedly deep of the man-made pond, with no indications of foul play or alcohol involvement. Delaney, who had limited ability, had entered the water fully clothed in a selfless attempt to aid the struggling boys. Delaney's wife, , was notified of the tragedy at their home in , shortly after the incident. He left behind and their three young daughters—Tamika (7), (4), and Joanna "" (4 months)—plunging the family into profound amid the sudden loss. Initial media reports across national outlets portrayed Delaney's actions as a heroic sacrifice, emphasizing his disregard for personal risk despite his own limited swimming skills. The organization issued a statement expressing profound shock and sorrow, describing Delaney as a beloved teammate whose selflessness exemplified his character; only one boy, 10-year-old LeMarkits Holland, survived the ordeal after being aided by Delaney.

Legacy

Posthumous honors

Following his death on June 29, 1983, Joe Delaney received the from President on July 13, 1983, the second-highest civilian honor in the United States, recognizing his selfless attempt to rescue three drowning children despite being unable to swim himself. The medal was presented to his family two days later by at Haughton High School in , with the official citation praising Delaney for a "supreme example of courage and compassion" that left "a spiritual legacy for his fellow Americans." In the , Delaney was selected for the 1981 based on his performance during his rookie season, an honor that highlighted his status as one of the league's top running backs. The also paid tribute by including him in their Chiefs Hall of Honor in 2004, and while his jersey number 37 has never been officially retired, no player has worn it since his death in 1983. At the college level, Delaney was inducted into the in 1997 for his exceptional career at , where he rushed for over 3,000 yards and earned All-American honors. Northwestern State established the Joe Delaney Memorial Leadership Award shortly after his death, presented annually to the team's permanent captains in recognition of his character and contributions both on and off the field. Among other recognitions, Delaney was posthumously awarded the NCAA Award of Valor in 1984 for his heroic actions, and he was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 1996, celebrating his achievements as a two-sport All-American from the state.

Memorials and ongoing impact

A monument honoring Joe Delaney was unveiled at Chennault Park in , on June 27, 2020, near the site of his heroic act, featuring inscriptions recognizing his sacrifice and family, including wife and daughters Tamika, , and . The have sustained Delaney's legacy through the Delaney 37 Foundation and the associated Joe Delaney Learn to Swim Program, launched in partnership with , the , and the Hunt Family Foundation to provide free and to in low-income communities. As of 2025, the program has expanded to multiple metro-area pools, offering sessions for elementary students and emphasizing drowning prevention, with initiatives like extended swim seasons in , reaching hundreds of children annually. Delaney's family continues his commitment to public service, with daughters Tamika, Crystal, and Joanna pursuing lives inspired by his selflessness; Joanna Noel leads the Delaney 37 Foundation's efforts in mentorship and water safety advocacy. His widow, Carolyn Delaney, has supported community initiatives promoting drowning awareness, while nephew Terrace Marshall Jr., who was drafted by and played for the Carolina Panthers from 2021 to 2023, carries the family athletic tradition in the NFL. Culturally, Delaney's story has influenced broader conversations on athlete heroism, exemplified by the 2023 illustrated biography Heroic Heart by and Charnaie Gordon, which chronicles his life and sacrifice for young readers. The Chiefs mark the anniversary of his death each June 29 with tributes, including videos and social media posts that highlight his enduring example of . In 2025, the Pro Football Hall of Fame's "Character" exhibit featured Delaney prominently, sparking renewed discussions on selflessness in sports and his place among football's moral icons, amid ongoing calls for deeper team-specific recognitions.

References

  1. https://www.chiefs.com/hallofhonor/players/joedelaney
  2. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/forty-years-ago-today-joe-delaney-died-while-trying-to-save-three-drowning-children
  3. https://www.cfbhall.com/inductees/joe-delaney-1997/
  4. https://lasportshall.com/?inductees=joe-delaney
  5. https://nsudemons.com/honors/n-club-hall-of-fame/joe-delaney/76
  6. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/joe-delaney-1.html
  7. https://www.nytimes.com/1983/06/30/obituaries/joe-delaney-football-player-drowns-in-a-rescue-attempt.html
  8. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/hall-of-fames-2025-character-exhibit-pays-tribute-to-joe-delaney
  9. https://64parishes.org/entry/joe-delaney
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1983/07/05/sports/sports-of-the-times-the-legacy-of-joe-delaney.html
  11. https://arrowheadaddict.com/2019/06/30/remembering-joe-delaney-kansas-city-chiefs-hero/
  12. https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/2018/06/29/haughton-hero-nfl-star-joe-delaney-died-35-years-ago/741928002/
  13. https://vault.si.com/vault/1983/11/07/sometimes-the-good-die-young
  14. https://sports.yahoo.com/joe-delaneys-legacy-still-strong-33-years-after-he-died-trying-to-save-others-145755819.html
  15. https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2024/jun/29/pro-column-former-chiefs-star-delaney-died-trying/
  16. https://nsudemons.com/sports/2004/10/5/145013213
  17. https://la.milesplit.com/articles/336298/the-joe-delaney-story-greater-love-hath-no-man
  18. https://footballfoundation.org/hof_search.aspx?hof=1982
  19. https://crescentcitysports.com/northwestern-states-delaney-to-be-honored-as-2020-independence-bowl-sportsperson-of-the-year/
  20. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DelaJo00.htm
  21. https://fs64sports.blogspot.com/2013/08/rookie-of-year-joe-delaney-1981.html
  22. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/156909-remembering-my-first-superhero-joe-delaney
  23. https://nflrewind.substack.com/p/the-beautiful-life-and-tragic-death
  24. https://jamybechler.com/joedelaneystory/
  25. https://www.footballdb.com/players/joe-delaney-delanjo01
  26. https://www.facebook.com/RedTribeCinema/posts/happy-red-friday-43-years-ago-today-11-15-1981-rookie-rb-joe-delaney-set-a-then-/1081234260679022/
  27. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/1981.htm
  28. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/05/19/Running-back-Joe-Delaney-the-AFCs-Rookie-of-the/2670390628800/
  29. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DelaJo00/gamelog/1982/
  30. https://www.csmonitor.com/1982/1209/120937.html
  31. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/42-years-later-joe-delaneys-sacrifice-still-resonates
  32. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/1982.htm
  33. https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Saved-in-rescue-that-killed-Chiefs-star-man-2012025.php
  34. https://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/vahe-gregorian/article25675738.html
  35. https://www.nytimes.com/1983/07/01/sports/boy-11-is-3d-drowning-victim-in-delaney-mishap.html
  36. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/06/29/Delaney-was-a-hero-before-today/7456425707200/
  37. https://www.carnegiehero.org/hero-search/joe-delaney/
  38. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/07/15/Medal-presented-to-Delaneys-wife/7494427089600/ph
  39. https://fox4kc.com/news/40-years-after-death-chiefs-legend-joe-delaney-still-making-impact-in-kc/
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  41. https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/archives/speech/announcement-awarding-presidential-citizens-medal-joe-delaney
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  44. https://kansascityymca.org/blog/geha-ymca-and-hunt-family-foundation-launch-joe-delaney-learn-swim-program
  45. https://www.delaney37foundation.org/
  46. https://www.kmbc.com/article/kck-free-swimming-lessons-joe-delaney-water-safety-program/65197518
  47. https://www.facebook.com/NationalRecreationandParkAssociation/posts/the-joe-delaney-learn-to-swim-program-brings-together-individuals-of-all-backgro/1163835475788574/
  48. https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/joe-delaney-37-foundation/
  49. https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/former-chiefs-rb-joe-delaneys-family-nonprofits-work-to-promote-water-safety-in-his-honor
  50. https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chiefs/2021/04/07/kansas-city-chiefs-2021-nfl-draft-lsu-terrace-marshall-jr-joe-delaney-related/79774620007/
  51. https://www.publishersweekly.com/9781637273166
  52. https://www.chiefs.com/video/chiefs-kingdom-joe-delaney-17299618
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