Supported by family, former Chiefs player Danan Hughes scored big in KC.
By Pete Dulin | Photos by Paul Andrews
“Neither of us foresaw being this far from New Jersey. We sat down at a table and made a list of pros and cons,” said Danan Hughes, recalling when he contemplated his next steps after six years of playing wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hailing from the East Coast, Danan and his wife, Tiffani, faced a life-changing decision. Stay in Kansas City or leave? By 1999, they were parents of four children with a fifth to come later.
Overwhelmingly, their list favored staying. Kansas City won them over with the affordable cost of living, excellent area schools, quality of life and the ability to maintain a connection with the Chiefs.
The appeal of KC drew in many of Tiffani’s family members, who packed up their lives in New Jersey to settle near the Hugheses. Danan’s family in New Jersey regularly makes the journey to Kansas City as well.
“There’s a different style and speed to living here. It’s family first for me and my wife, slow enough to raise a family but fast enough for every lane of life,” said Danan.
Their adult children and grandchildren have continued their lives in the area. “They see the value in living here,” said Danan.
The connections and community Danan found as part of the Chiefs were especially valuable when transitioning from pro-player to business pro. Following his football career, a banking contact helped him land a six-month internship, which sparked a long-term career in mortgage lending and business development.
Over the years, Danan has counseled and aided many families, young athletes and entertainers, teaching them how to manage their credit and loans as first-time home and auto buyers. Most recently, Danan brought that expertise to CommunityAmerica Credit Union, where he continues to help others build strong financial futures.
Beyond the nine-to-five, Danan fuels his passion for sports as a coach and analyst.
“In the locker room, I coached up many young athletes and became an educational force not only in Kansas City but across the country,” said Danan.
And his commitment to the Chiefs hasn’t wavered. Danan is the second-term director and president of the Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors, a group of nearly 60 retired players who work to continually serve the community.
“The Chiefs teach you early to stay connected. Serve on the board of a charity, raise funds and donate it,” said Danan.
Danan also serves as a color analyst for the Kansas City Chiefs, one of only 32 team-affiliated analysts in the NFL.
“I’m the only color analyst and former athlete currently doing college basketball, football and baseball as well as professional sports for ESPN and the Big 10 networks. I keep one foot in the locker room. It’s a blessing for me to do this work and zigzag across the country,” said Danan.
And when Danan takes breaks from ‘zigzagging’ the country, the comforts of Kansas City and his family await when his work is done.
