Dan Israel, the longtime executive producer of the Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network passed away on Thursday morning after a battle with cancer.
Israel, 60, had worked every Chiefs game the team has played since 1990. He was diagnosed with colon cancer ten years ago and according to reports, the cancer had recently spread to his lungs.
Israel is credited with building up the Chiefs Radio Network into the largest radio network in the National Football League with affiliates in 12 states.
96.5 The Fan, the flagship station for the Chiefs in Kansas City broke the news on Thursday afternoon
Voice of the Chiefs, Mitch Holthus, also released a statement following the passing of his friend and coworker.
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The Chiefs released the following statements:
"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. 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."
Chiefs Chairman & CEO Clark Hunt
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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. 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.
Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid
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"I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dan Israel this morning. 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."
Chiefs President Mark Donovan