Every time the Kansas City Chiefs announce that they're retiring a jersey number -- as they did recently with former cornerback Emmitt Thomas -- it raises the same question: Why haven't they retired the number of Joe Delaney?Twenty-five years ago, Delaney was a 24-year-old running back who had led the team in rushing in both of his pro seasons. But on June 29, 1983, he drowned while trying to rescue three boys who were stuck in a pond. His No. 37 jersey has not been worn since, but it also hasn't been retired.
Why not? The Kansas City Star explains:
OK, but why not make an exception to Lamar Hunt's rule, just this once? The Chiefs have already taken No. 37 out of circulation. Why not make it official, and create a lasting tribute to Delaney's greatness, on and off the field?"The criteria for retiring jerseys was established by Lamar Hunt," said Chiefs associate director of media relations Pete Moris. "And that's the criteria we use.
"Basically, if a Chiefs player gets into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the basis of that election was based on his career with the Chiefs, his number will be retired."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-04-2008 @ 8:16PM
TONY C. said...
K.C. WAS IN THE SUPER=BOWL W.H.E.N.????????????????? NO CLASS THERE PERIOD......
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7-04-2008 @ 8:32PM
MJ said...
Tony C, you're an idiot.
What does being in the Super Bowl have to do with having class? A lot of that has to do with the fact our owner was more interested in seeing the NFL as a whole succeed than his own team.
You should be thankful for Lamar Hunt making all that possible.
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7-05-2008 @ 12:54AM
George B Vieto said...
Joe Delaney's jersey number should be retired period all stop. He died trying to save three young boys in a pond. He died a hero. Golden rule strikes again Lamar Hunt has the gold and he has ruled.
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7-05-2008 @ 5:23PM
Mr.G said...
I remember when this happened.All 3 of those boys survived thanks to Joe Hero.I assumed his jersey had been retired,and am very disappointed to find out otherwise.Joe was also a great player,and the Chiefs should be ashamed of their inaction of honoring this man.
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