It’s been 39 years since the tragic passing of former Chiefs running back Joe Delaney, who died while attempting to save three children from drowning in a pond near Chennault Park in Monroe, Louisiana.
While Delaney will always be particularly remembered for the bravery he displayed during the summer of ‘83 and rightfully so, he was also quite the football player during the two seasons he played for the Kansas City Chiefs during the early ’80s.
During his three-year college career, Delaney showed he could be a dangerous offensive weapon on the ground and through the air. From 1977-1979, Delaney rushed for 1,937 yards and 17 TDs and caught 43 passes for 369 receiving yards and two scores.
In 1981, he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round with the 41st pick. Though he only played two seasons in the NFL, Delaney quickly became the running back the Chiefs were looking for.
These are Delaney’s best game performances:
Week 11 – 11/15/81 – vs Houston Oilers
In a home game against the Houston Oilers, Delaney scored the game’s first touchdown to give Kansas City a 7-0 lead, which was quickly followed up by a Nick Lowery field goal. The Week 11 matchup saw Delaney rip off a career-high 193 rushing yards on 29 carries as the Chiefs improved to 7-4 with a 23-10 victory over Houston.
Week 6 – 10/11/81 – vs Oakland Raiders
The Week 6 matchup against the Oakland Raiders was arguably Delaney’s best game as both a runner and receiver. Although he didn’t make it into the endzone, Delaney was still one of quarterback Bill Kenney’s top receiving targets to throw to and was just as dominant on the ground.
In a 27-0 thrashing of the Raiders, Delaney rushed for 106 yards on 28 rushing attempts and hauled in three catches for 104 receiving yards.
Week 7 – 10/18.81 – vs Denver Broncos
Following a solid victory over Oakland, the Chiefs continued their homestand by welcoming the Denver Broncos to Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City jumped out to an early 14-point lead following a one-yard run by running back Billy Jackson and a 47-yard fumble return by linebacker Whitney Paul.
There wasn’t much Kansas City could count on offensively, that day. However, one player they could count on was No. 37, who was the Chiefs main source of offense against a tough Denver defense. On 21 carries, Delaney rushed for 149 yards and delivered the final nail in Denver’s coffin with an 82-yard sprint to the endzone.
Kansas City defeated Denver 28-14.
Week 9 – 11/1/81 – @ San Diego Chargers
In Week 9 of the 1981 season, the Kansas City Chiefs traveled to San Diego to take on the Chargers, who were equipped with one of the most lethal and dynamic offensive passing attacks in the NFL at that time.
However, the game would turn into a battle of field goals as both defensive units stepped up just enough to keep either team from running away n the scoreboard. Chargers legend Dan Fouts threw for 296 yards and one pick while Kansas City’s Bill Kenney tossed for 197 yards and a score.
However, it wasn’t Kenney’s arm but rather the legs of Joe Delaney that proficiently moved the Chiefs’ offense down the field. Delaney rushed for 117 yards on 23 rushing attempts. Unfortunately, San Diego would get the better of Kansas City as Chargers kicker Rolf Benirschek nailed a late 22-yard field goal to retake the lead and seal away the 22-20 victory.
The 1981 campaign was a sensational rookie season for Joe Delaney, who made his first Pro Bowl appearance at the end of the year. On 234 rushing attempts, Delaney ran for 1,121 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per rush. He also caught 22 passes for 246 yards, averaging 11.2 yards per catch.
Delaney was Kansas City’s top source of offense during the ’81 and ’82 campaigns and these were the some of his best games that are apart of his highlight reel.
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