KANSAS CITY, MO. — For 35 season, he was an integral part of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs organization, serving as Executive Producer of the Chiefs Radio Network. Described as a pillar of the community by WDAF “FOX 4,” he had been battling cancer.
Now, Chiefs Kingdom is mourning the loss of Dan Israel.
He was 60 years of age.
In a statement, Chiefs Chairman/CEO Clark Hunt said Israel’s work as an EP “helped bring the game to life for millions of listeners,” adding, “Dan was dedicated, he was kind, and he brought joy into our building each day.”
Israel’s cancer diagnosis came in August 2015. As FOX 4 reported in January 2016, he was told that persistent stomach pain was something far graver: stage three colorectal cancer. For nine years, he fought against it, and like the Chiefs was oftentimes victorious. But in a February 2025 interview with KCTV-5, it was revealed that the cancer had spread to his lungs and came back after a period of remission.
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid said he was heartbroken to hear about Israel’s passing. “Over the last several years, I watched Dan battle this disease with strength and a positive attitude,” he said. “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.”
Team President Mark Donovan added, “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.”
On LinkedIn, Kansas Association of Broadcasters President Allison Friend Mazzei said, “The loss of Dan Israel is deeply felt. He was not only an exceptional broadcaster and an integral part of the Chiefs Radio Network, but also just an amazingly kind person. Dan was generous with his time and talent—always willing to say yes when asked to speak to students and share his insights at KAB events. He welcomed me warmly when I stepped into this role and gave me an unforgettable moment: the honor of presenting his KAB Hall of Fame Award in the Chiefs radio booth and watching him and Mitch call a game.
“Dan touched the lives of so many. His legacy and impact are immeasurable. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who knew and admired him. I loved his KAB Hall of Fame acceptance video. I think everyone else who cared for Dan will too.”
You can watch it here: https://lnkd.in/gPGdpw2n
