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Nzoner's Game Room>Joe Delaney - I-435 & BBQ Contest Projects **6/29 I-435 Project Accomplished!**
AJKCFAN 05:45 PM 02-15-2021
Originally Posted by Hammock Parties:
Just went out there myself. Looking good!



Originally Posted by AJKCFAN:
344 days ago, first contact was made with the Missouri Department of Transportation with this idea to have a highway dedication to honor Joe Delaney. There were times when it was understandably tedious and exasperating but this was going to be pursued as long as the obstacles were to be overcome.

The early support came from local Jackson County Missouri State Representative Yolanda Young and her team who supported this project immediately. This required the support of the Delaney family themselves and between his widow Carolyn and daughters (particularly Joanna and Crystal) they gave us their unwavering support and backed it up by providing MODOT with their consent for the project, as well as Joe's death certificate which was also required. They put their faith in me and these efforts and it will never be forgotten.

From there, 2 things remained - cost of project (which one of our own reached into their pocket and doled out more than $3,000 to cover for the ENTIRE cost of the signs). The appropriate word to you is grateful. Grateful for your support and grateful to make this endeavor an easier task to complete. May you appreciate the fruits of your investment for these next 20 years!

Lastly but far from least, to obtain 100 signatures from local Kansas Citians in the midst of a worldwide pandemic was daunting from the get-go but there was Clay - recruiting signatures with his social media clout and going about it with the mindset that he was not going to be denied. I don't know how to ever properly thank him, but this does not result in signs if not for his herculean efforts. Yes, there was considerable help from the Kansas City Star with their ipetitions to also make this happen, but there is no completion of this project if not for Clay being the rock star that he is and absolutely taking care of this - and us obtaining the necessary relevant signatures in just over 1 weeks time.

Those signatures include quite a few Chiefs Planeteers so feel a source of pride every time you pass I-435 between Exits 66 and Exit 63C and you see them signs for the next two decades.

I obviously want to renew these signs when the term expires in 2041, but if I am not around to see that happen - then it is my sincere hope my Kansas Citian friends made throughout this experience will pick up the mantle and keep these signs up.

I'm so humbled and moved that tens of thousands of Chiefs fans will be driving to and from Arrowhead via I-435 and it means the world to see Joe Delaney finally attain long-lasting recognition in Kansas City

37 Forever definitely played a small (yet significant) part in Kansas City Chiefs history

The Joe Delaney Memorial Highway on I-435 will play a small (yet also significant) part in Kansas City history

:-) :-) :-) Cheers Everybody - WE Did It!!! :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
Previous updates:
Spoiler!


Originally Posted by AJKCFAN:
Changing gears. Here is the latest in terms of the BBQ Contest. Attacking this hard these past several weeks. Really not to exaggerate, some 150 companies were reached out. Basically, there is some level of interest that need to be explored further and if work wasn't killing me, there would be a quicker follow-up so now that I-435 is out of the way, my efforts will be focused solely on this. Recently, there was a pretty significant company who has showed interest and they wanted to Zoom conference with me sometime this week. Observant of today's significance, intentionally I chose to have the conference today on the Anniversary. It did happen today and the takeaway from the meeting is that there appears to be a potential sponsor of the contest as they were very impressed with this idea and also helpful is that they have considerable experience working with The Kansas City Barbeque Society so that works in our favor. Likely, a second Zoom Conference call is scheduled to occur next Thursday morning (July 8) and if all can somehow go well with this, we might just be able to pull this off.....

(oh yes, there is a secret code embedded in here with the above paragraph, so good luck finding it.....)

(No code for rest of message)
If it doesn't come to pass, I'll keep trying. There is some interest that I need to follow up with nine other companies, but this one I spoke with today can make this Joe Delaney BBQ Contest at Worlds of Fun a reality.

If it cannot be possible, I would still like to have a BBQ Contest but we are probably looking to scale it down further and seek to have it at a local BBQ restaurant, but I want to exhaust this option and this potential sponsor (and other interested parties) first before we need to cross this bridge.

To be continued

The other project is an even more exciting idea and although that too is realistic, there will need to be more “heavy lifting”.

If there are two things Kansas City is currently most well known for, what would it be?

I would say (and you would likely say also) it would be the Chiefs and BBQ.

Yes, the best tailgating in the NFL by far can be found at Arrowhead and there’s some incredible BBQ every home game there but how often has Arrowhead Stadium been a venue for an actual competitive BBQ Contest?

Not that often, which is somewhat shocking given Arrowhead’s reputation.

So I am attempting to “marry the two”.

What if there was a competitive BBQ contest to be held at Arrowhead Stadium, during Chiefs football season – all in the memory of Joe Delaney, who is easily among the most distinguished and revered Kansas City Chiefs players in its illustrious history?

2. The Joe Delaney Master Series Barbeque Contest

Here, during this past Chiefs football season, I have had not one, not two, not three, not four, but five Zoom Call conferences with the Chiefs organization and in conjunction with The Kansas City Barbeque Society, which is a not for profit BBQ contest organization which sponsors a tremendous amount of BBQ contests throughout the year not just in Kansas City, but throughout America.

Very late in the season, we received a proposal from the Chiefs to have the debut of this event to be held at Arrowhead (with options to continue the contest at Arrowhead for both the 2022 and 2023 seasons), with the target being in late October of this year (hopefully to coincide with Joe Delaney’s birth date) and them being flexible with the date to allow for it to coincide with a Chiefs home game as well (particularly if the Chiefs were playing a home game in Arrowhead on a Sunday Night or a Monday Night that weekend).

The issue with it right now is the cost of the contest to hold the debut of this event in Arrowhead Stadium is a staggering amount. In essence, sponsors are vital to have this contest occur – whether it is at Arrowhead or at a smaller venue to kick things off for this year. I do at least commend the Chiefs for being willing to hear out this idea and staying in contact with me over the football season and still maintaining close ties with me to this day.

Guess I will throw this out there:

Does anyone here have any connections or tie-ins with any potential sponsors because that is what would yield the best results to this event occurring.

It would be really awesome to have this dream event occur. I mean, a BBQ Contest to be held in Arrowhead Stadium during the football season, in a weekend where we can finish the festivities off with enjoying watching Mahomes and the Chiefs kicking somebody’s ass on national TV – and this contest being held to memorialize a heroic great late Chief like Joe Delaney, it doesn’t get any better than that.

That’s why I am coming to you today. I am going to need some help.

Football analogy. We have driven the ball down the field two times and we are in the Red Zone for both projects. Joe Delaney Memorial Highway is definitely in First & Goal status – we just need 100 signatures and we got this TD. Joe Delaney BBQ Contest, it feels like it is 2nd and makeable distance from inside the Red Zone. Maybe we will need to settle for a field goal with that and debut the contest at a smaller venue or maybe there is still reason to hope this can still find its way into the end zone too and we make the contest occur at Arrowhead this fall on a Saturday.

I’ll be happy to either discuss on this thread or privately any direct questions you may have.

Thank you very much in advance....

Adam (AJKCFAN)
[Reply]
Misplaced_Chiefs_Fan 07:09 PM 06-14-2021
Originally Posted by AJKCFAN:
It is my humble and distinct honor to inform you that we have received official notification from MODOT and have been advised that the I-435 Joe Delaney Memorial Highway signs have been completed and they have been transferred to a MODOT facility location in Lee’s Summit.

We were told that the installation of these signs can go up as soon as this upcoming Thursday June 17.

However, with the Anniversary date of the Delaney Tragedy (June 29, 1983) occurring a little bit later in the month, I have requested and received permission from MODOT that installation be delayed until Tuesday June 29 so that it can fittingly coincide with commemorating the 38th Anniversary of this somber occasion.

There might even be a ceremony to mark the occasion but we are trying to see if the Delaney family can attend the event. At this point in time, it is unlikely that there will be a ceremony on such short notice. There does not need to really be one. Just if you happen to be in the area, drive by I-435 between Exit 66 (Missouri State Road 350) to Exit 63C (Raytown Road) in either direction come June 29 and you will see the signs installed.

Take pictures if you can!

Otherwise, if you cannot take the drive - I’m sure it will that day be part of the evening news, newspaper, etc.

It’s going up ladies and gentlemen!
Fantastic work! Glad to see it all come to fruition. Thanks to everyone who helped out. :-)
[Reply]
Hammock Parties 08:36 PM 06-14-2021
Awesome. Will disseminate.
[Reply]
Bugeater 09:31 PM 06-14-2021
Updated OP, will sticky for a few days.
[Reply]
HayWire 03:55 AM 06-15-2021
Originally Posted by AJKCFAN:
It is my humble and distinct honor to inform you that we have received official notification from MODOT and have been advised that the I-435 Joe Delaney Memorial Highway signs have been completed and they have been transferred to a MODOT facility location in Lee’s Summit.

We were told that the installation of these signs can go up as soon as this upcoming Thursday June 17.

However, with the Anniversary date of the Delaney Tragedy (June 29, 1983) occurring a little bit later in the month, I have requested and received permission from MODOT that installation be delayed until Tuesday June 29 so that it can fittingly coincide with commemorating the 38th Anniversary of this somber occasion.

There might even be a ceremony to mark the occasion but we are trying to see if the Delaney family can attend the event. At this point in time, it is unlikely that there will be a ceremony on such short notice. There does not need to really be one. Just if you happen to be in the area, drive by I-435 between Exit 66 (Missouri State Road 350) to Exit 63C (Raytown Road) in either direction come June 29 and you will see the signs installed.

Take pictures if you can!

Otherwise, if you cannot take the drive - I’m sure it will that day be part of the evening news, newspaper, etc.

It’s going up ladies and gentlemen!
You, sir, are a legend.
[Reply]
BigRedChief 08:44 AM 06-15-2021
Originally Posted by AJKCFAN:
Thanks again BigRedChief for the support and getting me in touch with Joshua for the podcast. It was such an honor to be on the ChiefsCast and to help give Arrowhead Kingdom get off to a promising start. You have something very successful and it's great you are seeing this through to the success it definitely will become!
Thanks for the kind words. Anything we can do to help, we are there for you and the cause.
[Reply]
tyecopeland 09:06 AM 06-15-2021
Originally Posted by Bugeater:
Updated OP, will sticky for a few days.
I'm surprised your sticky button works.
[Reply]
BigRedChief 03:07 PM 06-17-2021
The newest Arrowhead Kingdom column

37 Forever
By Chris Thomas

"Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for another.”

In the 1981 draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected a running back in the second round. That player would go on to have one of the best rookie seasons, and possibly the best to that point, in Chiefs history. He was selected to the Pro Bowl that season by setting four club records including a 196-yard performance against the Houston Oilers in November of that season. Opposing players described this running back in the following:

"I've played against the best: O.J. Simpson, Gale Sayers, Walter Payton and he ranks right up there with them. He is great with a capital G." - Elvin Bethea, NFL Hall of Famer
Another former college teammate of his said he was "the closest thing to Walter Payton." - Barry Rubin

This man was also considered to be "good, honest and humble" has also been described in the following manner:

His wife Carolyn said that he "was a person that would give his shirt off his back to you. He was a kindhearted person. He was also helping people, and he didn't worry about himself. He just worried about making people happy."

This individual gave more than the shirt off his back, which doesn't even touch the surface of how selfless this man was. On June 29, 1983, Joe Alton Delaney attempted to save three children from drowning in Chennault Park, in Monroe Louisiana. Joe Alton Delaney lost his life that day. It's been said that Joe Alton Delaney did not know how to swim, despite that he tried to save these children without even thinking. For his incredibly selfless act the Presidential Citizens Metal was given in his honor by President Ronald Regan.

A few weeks ago, Josh had the pleasure of talking with Adam Jassey, a founding member of the 37Forever Foundation. Check out the full interview here. I was not able to join the conversation, however Josh did ask me if I wanted to say a few words on behalf of Joe. Unfortunately, I declined because I was worried, I would not give an informed and personable take on such an incredible human being. It also left me wondering why I hadn't taken the time to get to know Joe Alton Delaney.

I will admit, my mind is a bit blown after hearing Adam's story and reading up that little had really been done to honor his memory until the 21st Century. Growing up, I don't remember hearing of Joe until he was elected to the Ring of Honor in 2004. I suppose some lost time has been made up, largely due to Adam's efforts, but I can't help but wonder why Joe's life was not memorialized until almost 2 decades after his selfless act.

The number 37 has not been worn since Delaney left us, and deservedly so. Why it hasn't been officially retired is beyond me. I always wondered if I ever met Clark Hunt, what would I say or ask him. I have decided if I ever do get the opportunity is to ask why the number 37 isn't retired and why it took so long to honor his memory. The team did wear a patch on their jerseys for the 1983 season, but so much more could have and should have been done.
[Reply]
Hammock Parties 01:51 PM 06-27-2021
I will go out to 435 tomorrow after work and see if anything is happening.

Then again at lunchtime Tuesday.
[Reply]
AJKCFAN 02:04 PM 06-28-2021
MODOT email just received


Weather permitting both signs (one sign in each direction), will be up tomorrow (Tuesday June 29) on I-435 by 11:00 am.
[Reply]
Hammock Parties 06:04 PM 06-28-2021
No signs up yet, but big construction markers at both exits.
[Reply]
BigRedChief 12:03 PM 06-29-2021
Originally Posted by Hammock Parties:
No signs up yet, but big construction markers at both exits.
It’s up
Attached: 3B66DE6D-E170-4745-8C6F-D01E28EDF47B.jpg (82.9 KB) 
[Reply]
Hammock Parties 12:08 PM 06-29-2021
Well done gents
[Reply]
Hammock Parties 01:07 PM 06-29-2021

New: A stretch of I-435 near the Truman Sports Complex now honors the late & great Chiefs running back, Joe Delaney. This is all thanks to Delaney's friends and family. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/snZgVFcXIQ

— MoDOT Kansas City (@MoDOT_KC) June 29, 2021

[Reply]
ChiefBlueCFC 02:10 PM 06-29-2021
Originally Posted by Hammock Parties:
out-fucking-standing
[Reply]
Hydrae 02:16 PM 06-29-2021
Awesome!
[Reply]
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