Lions Coach Dan Campbell Emotional in Honoring Announcer's Late Wife

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell fought back tears on Sunday, awarding an honorary game ball to team play-by-play announcer Dan Miller following the loss of Miller's wife, Cynthia, to cancer.

'We'll start with this,' Campbell said, holding up a football after the Lions' 45-21 victory over the Cardinals. 'This ball to Dan Miller and his family.'

Cynthia Miller, 63, passed away on Saturday after battling cancer. She and her husband had four children and two grandchildren.

'That was hard to hear, what they went through,' Campbell continued. 'I know it's been a tough road for Dan. This is for him. Salt of the earth, man. Dan is salt of the earth, and I know this has been hard, and so — but now I know Cindy's at peace, and we love you, Dan.'

Dan Miller was not present for Sunday's game in Glendale, Arizona. Detroit Tigers play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti filled in, delivering condolences during the broadcast.

'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 said. 'Dan is one of the most remarkable people I have met in my time in Detroit. One of the most sincere human beings you can possibly dream of. A fantastic voice of the Lions for more than two decades.'

Lions quarterback Jared Goff also expressed his sympathy. 'We're thinking about Dan,' Goff began, becoming emotional himself. 'We're thinking about you, Dan. Love you, man. He's just an important piece of the culture here, he really is. His voice is Lions football, and he means a lot to us, he's part of our family, and I talk to him weekly, and I know he's in our hearts right now and all of our prayers.'

Born Cynthia Biondi, she was working as a Westwood One radio producer when she met her husband. Cynthia became a familiar presence at Lions games, often sitting behind the Detroit bench at Ford Field.

'Cindy had a way of lighting up any room she entered,' read her obituary from the Griffin Funeral Home. 'Charismatic, funny, fearless, and full of life, she was someone people were naturally drawn to. Her warmth and accepting nature made everyone feel comfortable and included, while her fierce loyalty and protective spirit left no doubt about how deeply she loved those closest to her.'

Cindy also worked as a preschool teacher. She had a notable love for animals, particularly cats, fostering many throughout the years. Her obituary mentioned her soul cat, Marvin, and her 17-year-old adopted dog, Martha.