LEONARD POPE HELPS KIDS TO SWIM, JOE DELANEY'S HEROICS 28-YEARS LATER
Chiefs' tight end Leonard Pope has kept a very low profile after saving a young boy from drowning last month. Pope was at a dinner party in a friends' home when a woman's scream alerted the guests indoors. Pope ran out to the pool, saw a child on the bottom & dove in fully clothed & rescued the boy. He refused any interviews or comment regarding the incident. Now Pope is speaking out & he has an excellent plan. His foundation, C.H.A.M.P. will now emphasize water safety & swimming lessons for children in need. Excellent idea for making an impact off the field by the free agent tight end.
It was 28-years ago today that Chiefs' running back Joe Delaney lost his life attempting to save three children who were near drowning in a Monroe Louisiana park pond. The 24-year old Delaney, who couldn't swim himself, jumped into the pond, helped one youngster get close enough to the shore that onlookers pulled him to safety, but Delaney & two of the children drowned.
At his funeral, Delaney's widow was presented with the President's Citizen Medal by Vice president George Bush. His high school named the football stadium after him. Delaney was awarded the Louisiana State Civilian Bravery Award by Governor David Treen. Northwestern State, his alma mater, calls their spring game, the Delaney Bowl. There's a bronze statue of him outside the stadium & the number 44 he wore in college was retired by the football team. The NCAA's Award of Valor was presented posthumously & Pro Football Talk's Joe Delaney Award is given to the NFL running back for on-field performance & off-field contributions.
Delaney was inducted to the Chiefs Ring of Honor & altho his #37 jersey was never officially retired, no one has worn it since. The 1981 NFL Rookie of the Year will always be remembered for his exceptional football skills, but it was his bravery on this day people will never forget.
It was 28-years ago today that Chiefs' running back Joe Delaney lost his life attempting to save three children who were near drowning in a Monroe Louisiana park pond. The 24-year old Delaney, who couldn't swim himself, jumped into the pond, helped one youngster get close enough to the shore that onlookers pulled him to safety, but Delaney & two of the children drowned.
At his funeral, Delaney's widow was presented with the President's Citizen Medal by Vice president George Bush. His high school named the football stadium after him. Delaney was awarded the Louisiana State Civilian Bravery Award by Governor David Treen. Northwestern State, his alma mater, calls their spring game, the Delaney Bowl. There's a bronze statue of him outside the stadium & the number 44 he wore in college was retired by the football team. The NCAA's Award of Valor was presented posthumously & Pro Football Talk's Joe Delaney Award is given to the NFL running back for on-field performance & off-field contributions.
Delaney was inducted to the Chiefs Ring of Honor & altho his #37 jersey was never officially retired, no one has worn it since. The 1981 NFL Rookie of the Year will always be remembered for his exceptional football skills, but it was his bravery on this day people will never forget.
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