The Kansas City Chiefs community is mourning the loss of Dan Israel, the longtime executive producer and co-host on the Chiefs Radio Network. His death was announced Thursday afternoon by the Chiefs’ flagship radio station, 96.5 The Fan in an X post that expressed deep sadness over his passing, calling him “an NFL broadcasting legend & Hall of Fame producer,” and emphasizing that he was also “a friend and a colleague.” The post continued, “His impact on the Chiefs Radio Network is synonymous with the Chiefs Kingdom. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
We’re heartbroken over the passing of Dan Israel—an NFL broadcasting legend & Hall of Fame producer. More importantly, a friend and a colleague.
His impact on the Chiefs Radio Network is synonymous with the Chiefs Kingdom. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/30GPZt3MLT
— 96.5 The Fan (@TheFan965) March 20, 2025
Israel had fought colon cancer for a decade, originally given just 12 months to live at diagnosis. Remarkably, he didn’t miss any games since joining the organization in 1989. Before Super Bowl LVII, he shared with KCTV 5 his uncertainty about traveling to New Orleans, yet expressed gratitude for the team’s success, stating, “For so many years, we worked this team and didn’t experience this game. So, I’m very thankful — not only for the job itself, but for the level of success we’re at. Here we are, at the Super Bowl, again. It’s amazing.”
This never gets old!!! What a team! #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/ci4p1CC9Ps
— Dan Israel (@danisraelkc) February 12, 2024
Fans and fellow media members have shared their memories of Israel, with Chiefs radio play-by-play announcer Mitch Holthus saying, “We will never ever lose him in our memories and our hearts.” He noted the significance of Israel’s presence during the team’s final show. Holthus shared, “I’m so glad and so fitting that the final show featured this amazing man. Still processing. It’s been a rough 7 days…”
Our leader. Gone too soon. Thank you Dan for everything. https://t.co/MgNUKYkWWv
— Chiefs Radio Network (@ChiefsRadioNet) March 20, 2025
Today is tough. I lost a boss…but more importantly, I lost a close friend. I’ve been with the Chiefs Radio Network for over 20 years all because of this man. He taught me so much. Thanks for investing in me. Dan Israel…you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/50kAzdcEvM
— ᕮᖇIᑕ TOᗯᑎSᕮᑎᗪ (@_EricTownsend) March 20, 2025
Absolutely heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dan Israel. He’s been part of the Chiefs Radio Network since 1989, so many of us don’t remember Kansas City games on radio without him. No one took more joy from their work than Dan. Prayers for his family and friends. https://t.co/GUq9yW0r8s
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) March 20, 2025
