The Kansas City Chiefs' jersey number no one dares to wear — and the heartbreaking reason why
In a league dominated by stats, rings, and highlight reels, the Kansas City Chiefs have chosen to honor one of their own in a far more meaningful and quiet way. While jersey retirements are often grand public gestures, there's one number in Kansas City that hasn't seen the field in over four decades — and that's by design.
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Joe Delaney 's heroism transcended the game of football
Jersey No. 37, once worn by Joe Delaney, holds a legacy so profound that Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and the franchise have made it an unspoken rule: no player, not even Patrick Mahomes or Travis Kelce, will ever wear it again.
Delaney's NFL career may have been short, but his impact remains unmatched. Drafted in 1981, Delaney burst onto the scene with Pro Bowl-caliber talent and the heart of a warrior. But it's not his performance on the field that forever etched his name in Chiefs history — it's the selfless act that cost him his life.
In 1983, Delaney jumped into a Louisiana pond to save three drowning children, despite not knowing how to swim himself. One child survived. Two did not. Neither did Delaney. His sacrifice stunned the nation and prompted then-President Ronald Reagan to say:
"He made the ultimate sacrifice by placing the lives of three children above regard for his own safety."
Why the Chiefs have quietly kept No. 37 out of circulation
Although the team has never held a formal jersey retirement ceremony for No.
37, the number has been quietly removed from the roster for more than 40 years. Chiefs beat writer Pete Sweeney once confirmed this subtle tribute: "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 banner in the stadium, no announcement at press conferences — just an unspoken, unwavering respect for what Delaney stood for.
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In an era where greatness is often defined by Super Bowl wins or MVP titles, the Chiefs' decision reminds us that true heroism lies in character. Joe Delaney's story is not about touchdowns or tackles — it's about courage, sacrifice, and an enduring symbol of humanity.
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By never reissuing No. 37, the Chiefs honor a legacy far greater than football. And that silent tribute might just be the loudest message of all.
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