The sports broadcasting industry is mourning the unexpected loss of Denise “Daneysse” Daniels, a 35-year-old Emmy Award-winning production manager whose decade-long career shaped some of the most-watched live sporting events. Daniels passed away unexpectedly, with the news being shared publicly during ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast.
Daniels was a key figure behind the scenes at major sports networks, including ESPN, TNT Sports, and FOX Sports, where she earned a reputation for her technical expertise, strong leadership, and deep care for her teams. Affectionately known as “DVD” among her colleagues, she played a pivotal role in numerous high-profile productions, including:
SUPPORT THE FAMILY - GOD BLESS YOU
Monday Night Football
College Football Playoff National Championships
Super Bowls LI, LII, LVI, and LVII
The NFL Draft and Pro Bowl Games
For the past four years, Daniels also worked with TNT Sports, overseeing operations for major events such as the NHL on TNT, NCAA March Madness, and the NBA on TNT. Her ability to manage complex logistics while keeping morale high earned her widespread respect and admiration.
Her colleagues and friends across the sports-production world have shared heartfelt tributes to Daniels, remembering her as a passionate and dedicated professional. “Daneysse was doing what she loved in life: working in television,” said TNT studio host Liam McHugh. “She studied for it, she worked for it, and she’ll be greatly missed.”
Paul Hemming, Utah Mammoth game director and former NHL on TNT lead game director, spoke of her impact: “She was an amazing teammate who always had my back. Whatever we needed, Daneysse always made it happen.”
Daniels began her career at FOX Sports in 2013 as a production assistant, rising through the ranks to Manager of Production. She was integral in covering major events such as the Stanley Cup Final, NCAA March Madness, and UFC International Fight Week. Her work ethic and professionalism earned her the trust and admiration of everyone she worked with.
Daniels is remembered not only for her excellence in production but also for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support of her colleagues. Her legacy continues to inspire those who worked alongside her, and her absence will be deeply felt across the sports-television community.