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In the NFL, certain jersey numbers carry weight far beyond the field. For the Kansas City Chiefs, the number 37 isn't just a number - it's a symbol of sacrifice, bravery, and unspoken reverence.
Despite never officially retiring it, the Chiefs haven't issued No. 37 to any player for over four decades. The reason? Joe Delaney.
Delaney's NFL career was short but unforgettable. Drafted in 1981, he was a rising star, earning a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie and showing flashes of greatness as a running back. But it's not his stats that keep his memory alive.
In 1983, Delaney died while trying to save three children from drowning in a Louisiana pond. He couldn't swim, but that didn't stop him. Two of the children didn't survive. Neither did Delaney.
His heroic act stunned the nation and earned him posthumous praise from President Ronald Reagan: "He made the ultimate sacrifice by placing the lives of three children above regard for his own safety." That moment became a defining part of not just his legacy, but the legacy of the Chiefs franchise.
Why the No. 37 has never returned
While No. 37 isn't officially retired, head coach Andy Reid and the team have made it clear: no one wears it. Chiefs beat writer Pete Sweeney once noted: "Head coach Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs have made sure no player will ever wear No. 37 again, even if it's not officially retired."
There's no ceremony. No banner. No press release. Just a quiet but powerful decision to never let another player wear Delaney's number. The number simply doesn't appear on a Chiefs jersey anymore.
An unspoken rule with a powerful meaning
This kind of silent tribute is rare in professional sports. Most teams honor heroes with official jersey retirements. The Chiefs, however, have chosen a more subtle path - keeping the number alive in spirit without putting it back into circulation, and that may be even more meaningful.
The lack of formality gives the tribute a personal, heartfelt tone. It's as if the team knows that Delaney's sacrifice deserves more than a number on a wall - it deserves ongoing respect.
In today's NFL, where legacy is often measured in rings, records, and stats, Delaney's story is a reminder that true greatness is sometimes defined by character. By keeping No. 37 off the field, the Chiefs send a message that some things matter more than football.
The Kansas City Chiefs' quiet decision to reserve Joe Delaney's number is one of the most heartfelt traditions in the league. It speaks to the kind of hero Delaney was - and the kind of values the team wants to stand for.
No plaque or jersey retirement ceremony could say it better. Some numbers don't need to be officially retired to be off-limits forever. And No. 37, thanks to Joe Delaney, is one of them.