Memorial for Chiefs Legend Joe Delaney Becomes Reality Thanks to Fan Contributions
By Nick Porr
In a time where we need heroes more than ever, the sports world has come together to honor one of the most courageous American athletes ever in a beautiful way.
Running back Joe Delaney played two seasons for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1981 and 1982, making the Pro Bowl his rookie season. Although a star on the field, Delaney is remembered more for his off-the-field heroics.
On June 29, 1983, Delaney dove into a pond in Monroe, Louisiana, in an attempt to save the lives of three drowning children. Sadly, although able to save the one of the children, Delaney lost his own life in the pond.
Delaney's heroism has not been forgotten by Kansas City fans, or anyone who lived in the area. Earlier this year the police diver who attempted to save Delaney's life, Mark Dearman, began a push to have Delaney memorialized.
Dearman's wish was met with a resounding "yes" from individuals across the country.
Because “why are we here? Are we going to leave it a little better than we found it?”: At a time his example is particularly worth emphasis, push to memorialize Chiefs hero Joe Delaney prompts national outpouring of generosityhttps://t.co/QALaAEAdfY
— Vahe Gregorian (@vgregorian) April 15, 2020
Just two days after Dearman's story was published in The Kansas City Star, Tripp Johnson of Johnson Granite Supply in North Kansas City contacted Dearman and donated a monument. Since then, 117 individual $37 donations from all over the country have been sent into Dearman in order to help fund the monument's construction. Why $37? To match the number Delaney wore in his time with the Chiefs.
Johnson and Dearman believe that the monument will be ready by June 29, 2020.