Remember the heroic sacrifice of Joe Dylani after 42 years

The word “Hero” is delivered a lot these days. Some people deserve a poster, such as firefighters, nurses, doctors, etc. However, we sometimes use the term when discussing wonderful individual sporting performances. Even recently, Tyroese Haliburton has been called “Hero” in the Indiana Pesrez race for 2025 because it hit four different shots in the game/victory. But when we talk about the heroes in the world of sports, we must always mention the former heads of Kansas City, running Joe Dylani, who lost his life on June 29, 1983, while trying to save three children from drowning, although he was not a good swimmer.

Dylani made a name for himself while playing university football at North Western State University in Louisiana from 1977 to 1980. He was chosen as the first American twice while rushing to 3,047 yards and 31 declining during his university career. As a result, the school retired in 1980, and was later devoted to the college’s football Hall in 1997.

He drew his career at the Dylani College at the National University of the National Football League, which led to his choice by Kansas City companies in the second round of the 1981 US Football Association’s draft. He continued to get one of the best rising seasons in all ages, and rushed to 1121 yards while recording 22 receptions for 246 yards. His performance in the field earned him a place in Pro Bowl and the Upi AFC rising award from 1981.

Unfortunately, Dylani was unable to repeat the same success in 1981 next season. A strike by the American Football Association players, along with an eye injury, is limited to Dylani to eight games during the 1982 season. Although he showed a lot of promise as a football player, he has never played in another match in the US Football Association because of his heroic sacrifice.

On June 29, 1983, Dylani led a group of children to Monroe, Louisiana Park to attend “Children’s Day” Under the auspices of a local television station, according to NCAA archives. While in the garden, three children swam in a water hole behind some of the last construction. Soon after going out to the water hole, the three children started crying for help. Although he did not know how to swim well, Joe Dylani jumped to work to try to save children anyway.

42 years ago, Joe Dylani died tragicly in an attempt to save three children from drowning. We will never forget his sacrifice ❤ pic.twitter.com/udyk3xvjum

– Kansas City Chiefs (chiefs) June 29, 2025

“I cannot swim well, but I have to save these childrenTell a child who asked him if he knew how to swim. “If I don’t go out, get someone.”

He managed to help one of the children return to the beach safely. Unfortunately, Dilani and two other children drowned before they were rescued.

“When these young children needed help, he abandoned his life in an attempt to save them. He was not a swimmer. He had no work around the water, and much less than that tried to save another person drowning.” “You cannot put it in words. The man had a huge heart; it was special.”

Although Dylani lost his life, and he was able to save one of the three children, his heroism and non -selfishness are still hesitating across the year of history.

Just a few weeks after his death, Dilani got after his death Medal of presidential citizens By US President Ronald Reagan, who said: “He made the final sacrifice by putting the lives of three children above his consideration king safety. Through the ideal of courage and mercy, this talented young man brilliantly left a spiritual legacy of his American colleagues. “

Yesterday, the fortieth anniversary of the death of Joe Dylani, the hero who gave his life trying to save three children from drowning.

In his honor, Joe Deleney Learn to Swim was created to teach children how to swim and prevent drowning. pic.twitter.com/2dzjihliz9

– Trey Smith (treysmith) June 30, 2023

Many prominent organizations have reached ways to honor Dilani’s life and her legacy. In 1984, NCAA was awarded after the Delaney’s death the NCAA award from Valor. In 2004, the leaders were informally retired No. 37 and presented it in the team’s honor episode. Even today, Northwestern State University offers the Joe Delaney Leadership Award for the Permanent Team Leadership Award every year.

Randal J. Web, former President of Northwestern State University: “His humility, lack of selfishness, and his inspiring capabilities were really wonderful.” “The heroic way in which our world left imagine the way he lives every day.”

On that tragic day in 1983, there was nothing that would prevent Joe Dylani from trying to help these children. This has also been proven through the fact that his profile NCAA states that “Dylani had a life history in helping others.”

The action of what he did, knowing that he was a poor swimmer, is the type of courage that makes the world a better place. Joe Dylani has the character and courage that we can benefit from all of the day and age, as there are many bottles, violence and hatred in the world.

Every year, when June 29 comes, we must all take a moment to remember Joe Dylani and the final sacrifice he made. More importantly, if we can try to remember Dylani’s actions and include courage and self -denial that embodies him, we can create a scientist that Joe Dylani is proud of.