[ROYC75]

Joe gave all of us old timers reason to believe in the Chiefs again after the Wiggins era. A once proud franchise being lifted up by such a small guy than any BIG man in camp or anything Lamar could do by himself at the time. Opposing teams knew, much like Barry Sanders of late, get him down quick or bare the fruit of watching him hit the open hole and turning on the after burners. Joe knew when to hit a hole with precise timing and let the speed do the rest.

Many people want to talk about his speed ( which was was awesome ), But Joe was never ever given the credit for setting himself up with the blockers, much like Preist Holmes would do.That when Joe would hit the hole, each time it was basically credited for his speed. With this in mind, many times the hole opened up quickly enough, the speed came on early and the rest was history. Joe was a quick reader of defenses, at times his speed out ran our blocking. His quick cuts and 2 strides left many of teams behind chasing him down field. Joe left us way too quick, the guy had HOF written all over him.

To all the members and supporters of the 37Forever Foundation, I raise my glass to each of you. To all the officers that plugged a lot of hours, heart & soul into it, I still applaud you for your hard work and dedication. I was so proud the day came we were able to finally have our first few sponsored kids complete the swimming lessons with the ARC on behalf of 37Forever. I know I got to meet many members here and developed a friendship with several good people because of 37Forever. It was tough watching the interest die off after the Ring of Fame as Phil mentioned. There just wasn't enough young blood to keep it going until more interest came along. We needed a full time person to spearhead it in KC while Adam,Scott, Pam, myself and a few select others ( of our later officers ) all lived out of town and could not always get the KC ground work. Leaving it all for Phil to do was just too much to ask of him with him starting a business, I know first hand.

It was a short sweet ride for a great guy. The man's heart was bigger than his 180# frame, he cared that much for his fellow man.

We lost a wonderful man that day yet end the end, the story of Joe Delaney is a reminder of how we should feel about one another.

RIP Joe, signed, 37Forever.