via Imago

One of the weirdest things about late May in Kansas City? It’s when diehard fans start zooming in on grainy practice photos just to spot a jersey number. The Chiefs kick off OTAs on May 27. And with the updated 90-man roster around the corner, it’s basically a second draft for jersey nerds.

Notably, the Chiefs have a tradition of not issuing the jersey number out of respect for the team’s legends, whose iconic jerseys have officially been retired. Like the legendary quarterback Len Dawson, who donned No. 16 back in his days and led the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl. Or running back Stone Johnson or Mack Lee Hill. These players have cemented their names along with their jersey numbers in the Chiefs’ history.

But every year, there’s that one number no one touches, and the internet notices. We are talking about the former Chiefs’ running back, Joe Delaney. Even though the Kansas City team never officially retired his jersey number 37, that number has never been worn by anyone. And this year’s no exception. Ahead of the Chiefs’ OTAs, Andy Reid and Co. are moving ahead without using the No. 37 jersey.

To pay respect to Delaney, who just played two seasons with the Chiefs, but left a mark not just for his remarkable rookie season, or the numerous records that he set. But for his bravery and his lifelong history of helping others. Back in late June 1983, ahead of his third overall season in the NFL with the Chiefs, Delaney tragically passed away while saving three drowning kids in a pond.

After noticing three kinds of drowning and screaming for help, without a second thought, Delaney dove into the pond to save them—despite his inability to swim. He bravely managed to save one child without any harm, while the second child was taken to the emergency room, where he lost his life.

Unfortunately, the third child and the Chiefs’ running back couldn’t make it to the surface, and the police later recovered their bodies. “He made the ultimate sacrifice by placing the lives of three children above regard for his own safety,” then-President Ronald Reagan honored Joe Delaney. “By the supreme example of courage and compassion, this brilliantly gifted young man left a spiritual legacy for his fellow Americans.”

So yeah, when Andy Reid and the Chiefs decide not to use the Number 37 jersey this year again, it was out of respect for the Chiefs’ brave legend. And just like that, even though the Kansas City team never officially retired Delaney’s jersey, the number 37 remains untouched. But let’s be real—something is interesting about the young rookies and their desire to don iconic jerseys. Take Cam Ward and Abdul Carter, for instance.

Some wear legendary jersey numbers, while others get a lesson

The 2025 NFL draft wrapped up, and the community started to speculate who’s wearing what in their rookie season. And all eyes were on the draft’s top picks. Colorado retired # 12 jersey for Travis Hunter. But get this, Hunter is set to rock his rookie season with number 12 shining on his back. To spice things up, his jersey number has already broken records in sales, becoming the top-selling rookie jersey.

And yes, it surpasses the No. 1 pick Cam Ward’s jersey as well. Speaking of which, Ward will don the No.1 jersey in his rookie season with the Titans. And that’s where it gets pretty interesting. See, the Titans have already retired #1 jersey in honor of Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon. Moon wore it during his legendary career with the Houston Oilers. The kicker?

Well, once the Titans picked Ward at 1st overall, Moon permitted the quarterback to wear that number. But if you’re thinking it was that straightforward to get iconic jersey numbers for every player, think again. In fact, when it comes to Abdul Carter, the Giants‘ edge rusher… well, he found himself in a unique situation when he desired to wear the number 56 jersey.

Expand Post

That number was rocked by the Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor. No. 56 was retired by the Giants back in 1994. But Taylor wasn’t sweating it. In fact, the Giants legend respectfully denied Carter‘s request. Why? Well, he wanted him to create his own legacy, which is arguably a fair point. No wonder the guy embraced his advice and chose to wear number 51. To make his own identity in the field.

Long story short: some teams choose to honor their players even though their jerseys are not officially retired. Like Andy Reid and the Chiefs. While some teams are out there to un-retire their jerseys for their rookies. It’s a whole wide spectrum. But there’s one thing that remains constant—respect.