On October 30, 1958, in Henderson, Texas, the world welcomed Joe Delaney, a man whose blazing speed on the football field would only be eclipsed by the courage of his final act. Delaney, a halfback from Northwestern State (located in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana), was renowned for his ability to “tote the rock.” In one incredible performance against Nicholls State on October 28, 1978, he rushed for a sensational 263 yards in the second half alone, after being held to just 36 yards in the first. Though his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs was tragically short, President Ronald Reagan honored him with the Presidential Citizens Medal after Delaney died saving a child from drowning, leaving a spiritual legacy for all Americans.
The first question that arises is Where the heck is Northwestern State? Well, our investigation into this matter indicates it is located in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. This man, Delaney, could definitely tote the rock. In a game against Nicholls State, he rushed for 263 yards in the second half after being held to only 36 yards in the first half on October 28, 1978, per the footballfoundation.org website. Joe was named a Division I-AA All-American and had his number retired by his school at halftime of his final college home game. Joe Delaney also excelled on the Northwestern State track team. The National Football Foundation selected Joe Delaney to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997. After college, Joe played for a couple of years with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning AFC Rookie of the Year honors from the UPI.
Football Accolades & Accomplishments
- Collegiate Rushing Record: Rushed for 263 yards in a single half (against Nicholls State in 1978).
- All-American: Named a Division I-AA All-American.
- Retired Number: Had his jersey number retired by Northwestern State at halftime of his final home game.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
- NFL Honor: Earned AFC Rookie of the Year honors from the UPI during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Dual-Sport Athlete: Also excelled on the Northwestern State track team.
