Late NFL star Joe Delaney and his wife, Carolyn, were married for 5 years before Joe’s life was cut short in a heroic act.
Joe Delaney was a star NFL running back for the Kansas City Chiefs whose life was tragically cut short in 1983 at the age of 24 while trying to save three children from drowning.
The former NFL player Joe and his wife, Carolyn, grew up just a few blocks apart in Haughton, Louisiana. Their story began as a sweet childhood friendship that blossomed into romance.
As a young athlete, Joe would often run laps around Carolyn’s neighborhood, passing by her house. Carolyn, then Carolyn Dudley, would coincidentally be sitting on her porch, watching him go by.
Over time, their friendly chats turned into something more, and they began dating. It was when
While Joe was in college at Northwestern State University, their relationship deepened.
They kept their romance quiet at first, partly because Carolyn’s father was unsure about Joe, who came from a humble background. But Joe’s kind heart and determination won him over, and Carolyn’s father later apologized for doubting him.
Joe and Carolyn married while Joe was still in college, and by Joe’s senior year at Northwestern State, they had two daughters, Tamika and Crystal.
Their third daughter, Joanna, often called “JoJo”, was born shortly before Joe died in 1983.
Their sound marital life came to an end in June 1983 when Joe’s life was cut short in a heroic act.
Joe Delaney’s Wife, Carolyn, Never Remarried After His Demise!
On June 29, 1983, Joe’s life ended in a heroic act. While at a park in Monroe, Louisiana, he saw three boys struggling in a deep pond.
Despite knowing he wasn’t a strong swimmer, Joe jumped in to save them, saying, “I can’t swim good, but I’ve got to save those kids.” Tragically, Joe and two of the boys drowned, though one boy survived.
Carolyn was devastated, left to raise their three young daughters: a 7-year-old Tamika 7, a 4-year-old Crystal, and a 4-month-old Joanna.
However, she collected herself and found strength in Joe’s memory, raising their daughters alone.
With financial support from the NFL, Carolyn ensured that all three girls attended college without incurring any costs.
The Delaney daughters have followed in their parents’ footsteps of caring for others. Tamika is a dialysis technician, Crystal is a registered nurse and lab technician, and Joanna works in health and information at a medical center.
Special moments at the Delaney Bowl: Coach T w/some of Joe's family: wife Carolyn, daughter Crystal, grandson Nick pic.twitter.com/86svjE2gLK
— NSU Football (@NSUDemonsFB) April 16, 2016
All three are dedicated to helping people, just like their father. Joanna, who was too young to remember her father Joe, feels especially proud to carry his legacy, saying, “My father, he’s my hero.”
Today, Carolyn Delaney, now in her 60s, continues to celebrate Joe’s life. She has spoken publicly about his kindness, sharing stories that inspire others.
Carolyn helped establish the Joe Delaney Memorial Park in Haughton, which opened in 2016 and hosts events like “Joe Delaney Fun Day.”
Likewise, she also supports the Joe Delaney “Learn to Swim” Foundation, which offers free swim classes in Bossier City to prevent drowning tragedies like the one that took Joe’s life.
Carolyn never remarried and, in an interview, once said,
Now I would never, ever find another man like that, long as I live, now would I?
Joe Delaney
She still feels the pain of his loss, especially at family milestones like graduations and weddings, but she finds joy in her six grandchildren.
One grandson, Jayce, loves running around Joe Delaney Memorial Park, proudly telling others, “This is my PawPaw’s water slide.”
In Case You Didn’t Know
- President Ronald Reagan posthumously awarded Joe Delaney the Presidential Citizens Medal for his bravery.
- His name is in the Chiefs’ Ring of Honor, and a monument stands at Chennault Park where the tragedy occurred.
