Detroit Lions Coach Dedicates Game Ball to Broadcaster After Wife's Death
Head coach Dan Campbell honored Dan Miller and his late wife, Cindy, following the team's victory.
Following the Detroit Lions' 45-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Head Coach Dan Campbell dedicated a game ball to Lions play-by-play announcer Dan Miller, honoring his wife, Cindy, who passed away Saturday at the age of 63.
Campbell presented the game ball to Miller during his postgame press conference, expressing his condolences and support for the Miller family. "This ball goes to Dan Miller…it’s been a tough road for him, salt of the earth man. Dan is salt of the earth, and I know this has been hard, but now I know Cindy’s at peace. We love you, Dan," Campbell stated.
Miller was not present in the broadcast booth for the game. Jason Benetti, the play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers, filled in for Miller. During the pregame show, Benetti acknowledged Miller's loss, stating, "Our thoughts are with Dan right now, all weekend, and for the future, with the loss of his wife of 33 years, Cindy, a couple of days ago." Benetti also described Miller as "one of the most remarkable people I have met in my time in Detroit" and a "fantastic voice of the Lions for more than two decades."
Lions quarterback Jared Goff also spoke emotionally about Miller's significance to the team. "He’s just an important piece of the culture here, he really is," Goff said. "His voice is Lions football, and he means a lot to us, he’s part of our family."
Cindy Miller was a regular presence at Lions games, often seen in the fifth row behind the team's bench. Her passing was confirmed by Griffin Funeral Home.