SEP 21 (morning)--While he played for the Kansas City Chiefs a mere two seasons, RB Joe Delaney has left an indelible mark on the organization. Even though he last carried the ball some 19 seasons ago, the sheer fun and excitement that he offered to the Chiefs faithful will likely never be forgotten. Entering the league in the second round (41st overall pick) of the 1981 NFL Entry Draft out of Northwestern Louisiana, he burst onto the scene with 1,121 rushing yards his rookie season. During his two-year run in professional football, Delaney was named to the NFL’s All-Rookie Team (’81), Chiefs MVP (’81), and to the Pro Bowl (’82).

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Former Chiefs RB Joe Delaney helped lead the Chiefs to their first winning season in nine years during his rookie season.

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However, his promising career came to a screeching halt on Wednesday, June 29, 1983. Back home in Monroe, Louisiana, Delaney was at a park enjoying a lazy afternoon in the summer sun when he hear the cries of three boys. Rushing to see what was wrong, Delaney noticed that the distressed youths were drowning in a nearby lake and he immediately knew he had to do something. Even though he couldn’t swim, Delaney jumped in and, against all odds, was able to pull one of the children to safety. Sadly, Delaney and the two other boys weren’t as lucky.

That’s where 37 Forever (http://www.37forever.org) comes in. The organization was founded in 2000 as a way to ensure that Delaney's memory will never fade. Funds raised by 37 Forever go toward swimming lessons and to help provide water safety classes for at risk youth in the Kansas City area.

This Friday, September 27th at 10:00 AM, 37 Forever is hosting a charity golf tournament at Staley Farms in north Kansas City, Missouri. Staley Farms (http://www.staleyfarmsgolfclub.com) is a new, exclusive course that is an incredible challenge thanks in part to the torturous greens. Playing in the tournament will likely be one of your only opportunities to hit the links on this type of course. The price to play is $150 and your afternoon includes lunch, a tee pack, range balls, cart, and a ticket to the banquet the following evening. There are sponsorship opportunities still available to businesses and corporations. Those interested can contact Golf Tournament Management at 913/383-3334.

The banquet will be held on Saturday, September 28th at 7:00 PM at Adam’s Point Golf Club (http://www.adamspointgolfclub.com). There will be a Blues band, impressive dinner, and charity auction to fill what should be an exciting evening. The cost for this event is only $50.

If you are unable to attend either activity but would like to help keep Joe Delaney’s spirit alive via 37 Forever, please email golf@37forever.org or call 816-356-1817. Even with out-of-state membership outnumbering the local contingents, 37 Forever is committed to helping the Kansas City community and is looking to get people involved. New members are welcome to meet others already involved in the organization prior to the Dolphins vs. Chiefs game on September 29th at a pre-game tailgate.

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-CHIEFS IN THE COMMUNITY-