“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. It’s amazing.” Those were the words of the Chiefs Hall of Fame Broadcaster, Dan Israel, just days before the Super Bowl LIX. With doubts in his mind about whether he could travel to New Orleans or not, Israel just didn’t want to miss out on another Super Bowl. But sadly, it ended up being his last as the Chiefs Kingdom lost one of their soldiers to cancer. Sending the whole Chiefs and NFL community into grieving, remembering Israel’s contribution as a voice from the sky.

On Thursday afternoon, the Chiefs’ flagship radio station, 96.5 The Fan, announced the tragic demise of Israel with a heartbreaking post on X, “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.” Israel had been battling colon cancer for 10 years.

Like it was his love for the Chiefs, to be honest, that he survived for so long. Dan was given just 12 months to live, but he continued to battle cancer for a decade. He didn’t allow his cancer to take over his determination to not miss a single Chiefs game. I mean, Israel joined the organization back in 1989 when the Chiefs still weren’t a powerhouse.

Israel made sure he saw it all till his last breath from the 35 seasons he spent as the team’s radio broadcaster. So, obviously, when the news of Israel’s passing came to light. One of the first people to mourn his death was none other than Andy Reid.

“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..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,” Reid said on the team’s website. Like how can they ever forget Israel? Being part of the Chiefs Radio Network for more than 3 decades, Israel is credited with building the network that is now affiliated with 12 states. Pretty incredible, right?

The real question is how can the Chiefs ever replace this man. Irreplaceable, that’s it, end of discussions. Israel’s sudden passing took a huge toll on the Chiefs community. As they poured in with their condolences and memories of listening to him for so long.

Chiefs community mourns the loss of Dan Israel—one of their own

Dan Israel was the guy who had seen it all. He had witnessed the lowest of lows of the Chiefs in his 35 years with the network. And he has bore witness to a Chiefs dynasty that has made the Super Bowl 5 times in the last 6 years. So, the moment Dan Israel’s death from cancer hit the Chiefs community, they couldn’t believe what just happened.

“Wow. RIP Dan – had no idea he was battling cancer. What a shame, and gone far too young. Prayers to his family and @TheFan965 crew who worked with him @joshklingler.” Like it’s not all surprising that some fans didn’t even know Israel was going through a lot behind the scenes. 5 Super Bowls is an incredible feat. At one time, Israel’s condition was so bad his colon cancer even spread to his lungs. Still, he kept on working as an ever-present voice for the Chiefs Network. Never did he miss any game, nor did he complain about his health.

He just accepted his condition and ensured the fans were treated with the right amount of energy in every Chiefs gameday. “Never will forget growing up hearing his voice during every Chiefs game. What a legend. Thoughts with the family and praying for them. What a shock,” another fan added. There was another member of the Chiefs community who rolled back the years and shared his thoughts on how Israel used to add a flair to the Chiefs games that no one ever could.

“So sad. All the way back to the early days listening to him do pregame and the NFL desk at halftime while me and my dad were driving home from the track! I can hear his voice rattling off the scores from the rest of the league. RIP,” another user on X added. Seeing the reactions of the Chiefs community, you can easily guess how distraught they are right now. Come 2025, the Chiefs Network won’t be hosting Dan Israel anymore. Reid won’t be giving his first post-game thoughts to Israel anymore. It will be all radio silence as Dan Israel leaves a lasting legacy that no one could ever match.