'Passed away a hero': Chiefs honor RB who died rescuing children

A monument at Chennault Park will help ensure Joe Delaney's life and sacrifice are never forgotten. On June 29, 1983, Delaney jumped into a pond in an attempt to save drowning children. Delaney, a rising star for the Kansas City Chiefs, drowned along with two children. Michelle Tripp/The News-Star via Imagn Content Services, LLC

'Tragically passed away a hero': Kansas City Chiefs honor RB who died rescuing three children

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 7:15 PM ET

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.

In 1983, 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

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

Michelle Tripp/The News-Star via Imagn Content Services, LLC

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.

42 years ago today, Joe Delaney tragically passed away a hero, attempting to save three children from drowning. We'll never forget his sacrifice ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UdYk3XVJUM
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) June 29, 2025