The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals cheering section is a little louder today in heaven. Longtime ESPN Radio producer Stosh Cienki has passed away at the age of 52. Cienki recently underwent surgery on his ankle. He provided an update on the surgery just one day ago on Facebook sharing that x-rays showed no signs of infection. Unfortunately, one day later, according to multiple sources, he experienced a pulmonary embolism which resulted in his sudden passing.
What We Know: Cienki spent more than two decades behind the scenes at ESPN Radio in Bristol. Over that time, he produced shows, booked guests, and mentored younger staffers. In 2024, he served as program director of the network’s weekend shows.
Away from the studio, Cienki was a Missouri native and lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan. He lived in Cheshire, Connecticut, with his wife, Kelly. Together, they raised five children.
Throughout Wednesday, tributes poured in from across the ESPN Radio family.
What They Said: Bob Picozzi worked alongside Cienki for 18 years. Additionally, the two lived in the same town and attended the same church. “I am seldom at a loss for words. But hearing this morning that we’ve lost Stosh is absolutely devastating. He was such a kind and gentle soul—tall in stature but absolutely monumental as a human being. The ESPN family has been rocked to its core by this news. I guess God needed another producer. He now has THE best.” –Bob Picozzi
Sarah Spain, meanwhile, recalled how hard it was to lose Cienki as her producer in 2022. She also expressed her sadness upon learning of his passing. “After several producers we had finally found our guy in Stosh — supportive, kind, hard working, full of great ideas and as steady and dependable as they come. I won’t share the texts we’ve exchanged in the years since, but I’ll say that he never stopped being that steady, supportive and kind voice well after we stopped working together. Stosh was a gem, and I’m so heartbroken for his family and everyone who loved him. RIP friend.” –Sarah Spain
Longtime ESPN Radio host Freddie Coleman called Cienki his birthday twin. “I am STUNNED beyond words that I won’t ever see my birthday twin Stosh Cienki again after his passing last night. This will be the toughest day at ESPN Radio in my 22+ years because I am completely heartbroken. Stosh and I vibed the first second we met and the vibe/bond became stronger and stronger! I will miss his hugs, his smile, his kindness, his laugh…EVERYTHING! I need to stop now because I am about to break down again. Love You Stosh. You will ALWAYS be with me! Please keep Kelly Ann and their beautiful children in your prayers!” –Freddie Coleman
Albert Gattullo covered the Giants and Jets for ESPN Radio beginning in 2004. He first met Cienki over the phone when he joined the network. “I’ve worked with a lot of people in my 35 plus years in radio. Stosh is 1 of 1. So many people have sung his praises. I have never heard anyone say a bad word about him. I am not surprised because he is and was a man of integrity, compassion and love.” –Albert Gattullo
Similarly, John Kincade remembered their rivalry as an Eagles fan facing a Chiefs fan. “We never got to finish and decide a winner on our friendly but heated Eagles and Chiefs debates of the past few years! I’m sure we both declare ourselves the winner! Twenty plus years of crossing paths in person and then on those guest booking phone calls and always a good laugh and leaving with a smile. Love you Stosh! You will be missed.” –John Kincade
Christine Lisi, another ESPN colleague, echoed those feelings. “I am lucky to not only have worked with a gem of a human being all these years, but to have him as a friend. Sending love to his wife Kelly, and his entire family and friends.” –Christine Lisi
Qadry Ismail, who previously worked with Cienki remembered his friend and former producer. “We just spoke a few times in the last month! I’m stunned. You were such a good man and friend! I’m deeply saddened for your family’s loss! Love you and will miss our talks.” –Qadry Ismail
Former ESPN Radio host John Seibel remembered his former producer as well. “Few had the fiber of Stosh Cienki. We immediately bonded over St. Joseph. Yeah, that small city north of KC. Stosh produced a ton of my shows at ESPN. He laughed when I called him “Slosh”. He laughed when I kidded him for his reproductive skills of populating the equivalent of a small third world country. Stosh was a pro’s pro and did great work, but he was just a good man. I think of my ESPN Radio brothers and sisters, specifically Freddie Coleman. Today is a hard day. ESPN lost a lot of “good”. RIP, Slosh. Love ya’, brother.” –John Seibel
What Remains Unclear: ESPN has not shared a public statement on Cienki’s death. Funeral and memorial plans also have not been announced. Likewise, it’s unclear whether the family will set up a fund or charity in his name.
What It Means: Producers rarely get public credit for what listeners hear on air. The reaction to Cienki’s death shows how much he mattered inside ESPN Radio. Hosts, reporters, and producers all described the same person. Above all, they remembered someone steady, generous, and quick to help. Albert Gattullo summed it up best in his post on Facebook, adding: “Stosh has been and will continue to be the glue that holds ESPN Radio together.”
On a personal note, I worked with Stosh at ESPN Radio from 2004-2006. He was a great sounding board, team first producer, positive person and good man. His contributions to the network and his influence on those he worked with did not go unnoticed. Barrett Media offers its thoughts and prayers to Stosh’s family and friends during this difficult time.
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