On June 29, 1983 the Kansas City Cheifs' star running back had to call an audible on his career. He heard screams coming from a construction site and looked out to find three boys had fallen into a large water hole and were drowning.
Without hesitation or regard for his own safety, Delaney jumped in to save them. The catch? Delaney could not swim to save his own life.
Delaney died trying to save the boys. LeMarkits Holland was the only survivor, the only one Delaney was able to save.
That day Delaney left a family and a city in tears. On July 4 of the same year, 3,000 people attended his funeral, including his wife and three daughters.
Delaney was only 24 years old and was a year away from signing a contract that would have secured his family financially. His first year in the league he set four team records: most yards in a season (1,121), most yards in a game (193), most consecutive 100-yard games (three), and most 100-yard games in a season (five).
A player strike and an eye injury had limited his playing time in what would be his last season.
The Kansas City Chiefs retired his number 37 jersey and later elected him to their team Hall-of-Fame in 2004. He was also awarded the Presidential Citizen's medal by President Ronald Reagan, which was given to his family.
Delaney was a man of great skill and even greater heart. So on this, the 25th anniversary of his death, I ask that you take just a moment to remember his sacrifice and the lives that were so tragically cut short.
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3 months ago
I remember when this happened. For him to make a snap decision like that not knowing how to swim says two things about him, he was a selfless individual and he thought of his own children and would hope someone would do the same.
There's no greater love than laying down your own life for someone else.
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