Longtime Kansas City Chiefs executive producer, Dan Israel, passed away at the age of 60 on Thursday after battling cancer for nearly the last decade. Israel is widely credited for building the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network, which has grown into the largest radio network in the National Football League.
For the past 35 years, he was an integral part of the Chiefs organization and the Chiefs Radio Network. During that time, he played a key role in bringing listeners the local call of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl championships in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Following the news of Israel’s passing, Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt released a heartfelt statement on behalf of the organization.
“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,” said Hunt. “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.”
As word of his passing spread, thousands of tributes poured in from all over the country via social media. Many who had the privilege of knowing and working with Israel over his 35 years of service to the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network shared their condolences. Among them was Head Coach Andy Reid, who has led Kansas City for the last 12 years. He offered his reflections in a statement.
“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,” said Reid. “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.”
In addition, Sports Radio 96.5 The Fan in Kansas City expressed their condolences in a Facebook post, honoring Israel’s lasting impact.
“We’re heartbroken over the passing of Dan Israel—an NFL broadcasting legend & Hall of Fame producer. More importantly, a friend and a colleague,” the station posted. “His impact on the Chiefs Radio Network is synonymous with the Chiefs Kingdom. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Israel’s final post on X reflected his deep appreciation and joy for the work he loved. It featured a photo from the Caesars Superdome radio booth, capturing his perspective ahead of Super Bowl LIX—one last glimpse of the passion that defined his career.
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