Dan Israel, the longtime executive producer of the Chiefs Radio Network, passed away on Thursday, at the age of 60 after a decade-long battle with cancer.
While he was not the primary play-by-play announcer—often referred to as the "radio voice" of a team, a role held by Mitch Holthus for the Kansas City Chiefs—Israel was a pivotal figure behind the scenes, shaping the broadcasts that reached millions of fans across Chiefs Kingdom.
Israel’s career with the Chiefs spanned 35 seasons, beginning in 1990, during which he worked on every game the team played.
His passion for his job was evident even in his final months; just weeks before his passing, he attended Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on February 9, 2025, where the Chiefs faced the Philadelphia Eagles. He shared his excitement on social media, writing, “Never gets old,” alongside a photo of the Superdome field.
Throughout his illness, Israel credited his work with the Chiefs Radio Network as a vital source of strength. In an interview with KCTV5 in February 2025, he said, “You have to have a reason to get out of bed every day. The treatment itself can be overwhelming, very fatiguing.” His determination allowed him to witness and contribute to the Chiefs’ recent successes, including multiple Super Bowl appearances, a stark contrast to the lean years he endured earlier in his tenure.
The Chiefs organization and its community mourned his loss deeply. Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt expressed, “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.” Head coach Andy Reid added, “I watched Dan battle this disease with strength and a positive attitude… He was a huge part of the Chiefs Radio Network and the Chiefs football team. I loved Dan Israel, and he will be missed but never forgotten.” Mitch Holthus, the Voice of the Chiefs, announced Israel’s passing on X, noting the exact time of 4:20 a.m. on March 20, and reflecting on their 31 shared years with heartfelt emotion.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans alike. The Chiefs’ flagship station, 96.5 The Fan, called him “an NFL broadcasting legend & Hall of Fame producer,” emphasizing his indelible impact. Israel’s legacy extends beyond his technical expertise—he was a beloved friend and inspiration, known for his kindness, professionalism, and unwavering positivity, even in the face of adversity. His death, just over a month after covering the Super Bowl, marked the end of an era for Chiefs radio, leaving behind a void felt by all who knew him or heard his work.
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