Lions head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff were overcome with emotion while paying tribute to play-by-play announcer Dan Miller, whose wife passed away on Saturday
Dan Campbell awarded Dan Miller a game ball after the Lions' win over the Cardinals
Dan Campbell awarded Dan Miller a game ball after the Lions' win over the Cardinals(Image: Getty Images)
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Lions head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff struggled to fight back tears while paying emotional tributes to play-by-play announcer Dan Miller, who, on Saturday, tragically lost his wife, Cynthia, to cancer.
Speaking to reporters following the Lions’ 45-21 win over the Cardinals — whose GM has been accused of “gaslighting” fans — Campbell kicked off his press conference by honoring Miller with a game ball. “We'll start with this,” the 50-year-old said. “This ball to Dan Miller and his family.”
On Saturday, Cynthia died at the age of 63 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She leaves behind her husband, four children, and two grandchildren. “That was hard to hear, what they went through,” Campbell added, his voice beginning to crack.
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“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.”
Goff was similarly overcome with emotion when asked about Miller’s loss during an on-field interview. “We're thinking about Dan,” the signal-caller told FOX Sports before taking a moment to compose himself. "We're thinking about you, Dan. Love you, man.”
Miller has served as the Lions’ radio play-by-play announcer for 22 seasons, having joined the booth back in 2005. “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, and I talk to him weekly, and I know he's in our hearts right now and all of our prayers.”
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In light of Miller’s unimaginable tragedy, Detroit Tigers play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti stepped in for the sportscaster during Sunday’s contest.
“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 on the broadcast.
“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.”
Cynthia, who went by Cindy, first crossed paths with Miller while working as a radio producer at Westwood One. She eventually became a fixture at Lions games, regularly sitting behind Detroit’s bench at Ford Field.
Jared Goff was overcome with emotion while offering his condolences to Dan Miller
Jared Goff was overcome with emotion while offering his condolences to Dan Miller(Image: Getty Images)
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“Cindy had a way of lighting up any room she entered,” her obituary from the Griffin Funeral Home read. “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 eventually pursued a second career as a preschool teacher and spent much of her spare time fostering animals. “She had an enormous love for animals, especially cats, fostering many and welcoming numerous furry companions into her home throughout the years,” her obituary continued.
“Among them, Marvin, her soul cat who greeted her in heaven and Martha, her 17-year-old adopted dog, held an especially treasured place in her heart.”