If you don't know who Joe Delaney is, perhaps some statistics could help.
In his rookie year, he was a Pro Bowl starter, AFC Rookie of the Year, First-Team All-Pro and MVP of the Chiefs.
But what people remember about him -- and why we talk about him on June 29 -- is because of what happened 27 years ago.
Three boys were swimming in a pond in Monroe, LA at about two in the afternoon. As they waded out farther away from the shore, they would soon find that the bottom dropped off. Screaming and thrashing in the water, only one man in a crowd of people stepped forward.
"Can you swim?" a little boy asked Joe.
"I can't swim good but I've got to save those kids. If I don't come up, get somebody." Unfortunate for the rest of the world and the Kansas City Chiefs, those were the last words of Joe Delaney as he died while trying to save the kids.
One of the boys was able to find his way to the shore. The two others and Delaney did not.
He was 24 years old.
Today is a day to remember one of the greats. He's a Chief for life and someone that, at the end of the day, you can be proud to associate with your team.
This article by Frank Deford of Sports Illustrated is a must-read on June 29, as is this piece by Mr. Bob Gretz.