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The newest Arrowhead Kingdom column
37 Forever
By Chris Thomas
"Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another.”
In the 1981 draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected a running back in the second round. That player would go on to have one of the best rookie seasons, and possibly the best to that point, in Chiefs history. He was selected to the Pro Bowl that season by setting four club records including a 196-yard performance against the Houston Oilers in November of that season. Opposing players described this running back in the following:
"I've played against the best: O.J. Simpson, Gale Sayers, Walter Payton and he ranks right up there with them. He is great with a capital G." - Elvin Bethea, NFL Hall of Famer
Another former college teammate of his said he was "the closest thing to Walter Payton." - Barry Rubin
This man was also considered to be "good, honest and humble" has also been described in the following manner:
His wife Carolyn said that he "was a person that would give his shirt off his back to you. He was a kindhearted person. He was also helping people, and he didn't worry about himself. He just worried about making people happy."
This individual gave more than the shirt off his back, which doesn't even touch the surface of how selfless this man was. On June 29, 1983, Joe Alton Delaney attempted to save three children from drowning in Chennault Park, in Monroe Louisiana. Joe Alton Delaney lost his life that day. It's been said that Joe Alton Delaney did not know how to swim, despite that he tried to save these children without even thinking. For his incredibly selfless act the Presidential Citizens Metal was given in his honor by President Ronald Regan.
A few weeks ago, Josh had the pleasure of talking with Adam Jassey, a founding member of the 37Forever Foundation. Check out the full interview here. I was not able to join the conversation, however Josh did ask me if I wanted to say a few words on behalf of Joe. Unfortunately, I declined because I was worried, I would not give an informed and personable take on such an incredible human being. It also left me wondering why I hadn't taken the time to get to know Joe Alton Delaney.
I will admit, my mind is a bit blown after hearing Adam's story and reading up that little had really been done to honor his memory until the 21st Century. Growing up, I don't remember hearing of Joe until he was elected to the Ring of Honor in 2004. I suppose some lost time has been made up, largely due to Adam's efforts, but I can't help but wonder why Joe's life was not memorialized until almost 2 decades after his selfless act.
The number 37 has not been worn since Delaney left us, and deservedly so. Why it hasn't been officially retired is beyond me. I always wondered if I ever met Clark Hunt, what would I say or ask him. I have decided if I ever do get the opportunity is to ask why the number 37 isn't retired and why it took so long to honor his memory. The team did wear a patch on their jerseys for the 1983 season, but so much more could have and should have been done.
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