35 years later Remembering Joe Delaney (AFC, draft, playoff, game)

[0marvin0]

35 years and a day.
https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2018/...35-years-later

[Babe_Ruth]

Thanks for sharing this..

[DOUBLE H]

Joe Delaney came from a I-AA college, Northwestern State (Louisiana) but he stood out right away after being the Chiefs #2 pick in the 1981 draft, going on to become the 1981 AFC Rookie of the year that year. He rushed for 1121 yards that year with a 4.8 average. Wikipedia has an interesting paragraph regarding Delaney; in a 1981 game against the Broncos he got a 75 yard run for a touchdown, only to have it called back by a penalty. Two plays later he scored on a 82 yard run. I remember that game and those two runs very well.



Dick Connor of the Denver Post said the next day--"The Chiefs are back in the AFC playoff picture after a 7 year absence and the player who has put them there is Joe Delaney."


I was stunned when I read about his death, completely stunned.



Shortly after his death a "37 Forever Foundation" was set up by longtime Chiefs fans and players, with the assistance from the American Red Cross--it's set up for underprivileged kids and really emphasizes youth programs, particularly swimming lessons.

[Bondurant]

ESPN produced a 30 for 30 short about Delaney a few years back. Too bad they're no longer on Netflix.

[odanny]

Originally Posted by Bondurant

ESPN produced a 30 for 30 short about Delaney a few years back. Too bad they're no longer on Netflix.

I'd love to see that. I was around as a kid when he died and he was the first athlete I ever heard of dying in his prime. I never forgot it. I see a link to the 30 for 30 in the OP. Gonna watch it.