KANSAS CITY, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network is mourning the loss of longtime executive producer Dan Israel, who passed away at the age of 60 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Israel, a fixture in Chiefs broadcasting, had worked every Chiefs game since 1990. Ten years ago, he was diagnosed with colon cancer, and in a February interview with KCTV, he revealed that the cancer had recently spread to his lungs. His family shared the news of his passing on Thursday.
Despite his health challenges, Israel remained dedicated to his work, finding strength and purpose in his role with the Chiefs. In February, he told KCTV, “You have to have a reason to get out of bed every day. The treatment itself can be overwhelming, very fatiguing.” He credited his job with helping him navigate the exhaustion of his cancer battle.
Israel’s dedication was evident when he made it to New Orleans for Super Bowl LIV in February. Despite scheduling conflicts with medical appointments, which threatened his ability to attend, adjustments were made so he could experience the momentous occasion.
The Kansas City Chiefs organization expressed their deep condolences on social media. Owner Clark Hunt, head coach Andy Reid, and President Mark Donovan each shared heartfelt statements honoring Israel’s contributions and legacy.
Israel’s impact on the Chiefs Radio Network and the Kansas City community will be deeply missed.
“My family and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Dan Israel. Dan was an integral part of our organization for 35 seasons, and his work as executive producer of the Chiefs Radio Network helped bring the game to life for millions of listeners across Chiefs Kingdom. Dan was dedicated, he was kind, and he brought joy into our building each day. Through his battle with cancer over the past ten years, these qualities served as an inspiration to his coworkers and Chiefs fans alike. We will certainly miss him, and we will keep his family in our prayers.”
-Chiefs owner Clark Hunt
I was heartbroken to hear about the loss of Dan Israel. Over the last several years, I watched Dan battle this disease with strength and a positive attitude. Dan was the first person I would interview with after games. No matter how he was feeling, he always put that aside to get that interview in with a positive spin for our fans. He was a huge part of the Chiefs Radio Network and the Chiefs football team. I loved Dan Israel, and he will be missed by the Chiefs organization but never forgotten.
-Chiefs head coach Andy Reid
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dan Israel this morning. Danny was part of every Chiefs game of my entire career, and I consider it a great privilege to have been able to watch him work as part of the Chiefs Radio Network. He was a model of professionalism, commitment, and kindness, and he brought a passion to his work that was unmatched, even as he privately battled health conditions for years. Chiefs Kingdom was lucky to have Danny be part of their football lives for 35 seasons, and I am forever grateful to have learned so much from him in my time here. All of Chiefs Kingdom will miss Danny, and I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family.”
-Chiefs president Mark Donovan
