‘Not an easy fight’: Chiefs broadcaster battles cancer as job takes him to NOLA

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Dan Israel has always loved his job, and why wouldn’t he? As executive producer of the Chiefs Radio Network Broadcasts, he has had a seat at every game the Kansas City team has played since 1990.

However, this job has also helped him overcome one of the most difficult fights he has ever faced.

“Chemotherapy is a fatiguing treatment,” Israel said.

“It has really been a struggle,” chimed Voice of the Chiefs, Mitch Holthus. “It has been a struggle.”

Ten years ago, Dan was diagnosed with colon cancer, which has spread to his lungs. One doctor told him he had twelve months to live.

“We just didn’t know how long we would have him,” Holthus said. “We thought 2015 might be it.”

But, Dan and his doctors fought back.

“I’m beating it down,” Dan said. “It’s not an easy fight, but hey, I’m still here.”

Through it all, Dan told KCTV5 that his job has helped him get through the battle.

“You have to have a reason to get out of bed every day,” Israel noted. “The treatment itself can be overwhelming, very fatiguing.”

And his job inspires him to fight through - although it’s not easy.

“There’s been times during games when he’s had to back up and basically lay down and rest,” Holthus recalled.

Producing what many consider to be the NFL’s top radio broadcast is not easy, but Dan’s loving this week’s challenge.

“For so many years, we worked this team and didn’t experience this game,” Israel said. “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.”

“There’s been a lot of prayers for him, a lot of prayers,” Holthus concluded.

Unfortunately, Dan’s cancer has come back. He actually wasn’t sure he’d be able to make the trip because of appointments, but those have been moved so he could experience the big game one more time.

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