A beloved sports announcer has revealed that his wife was sending nonsensical text messages before doctors discovered deadly tumors in her brain.
Cindy Miller, the wife of longtime Detroit Lions play-by-play announcer Dan Miller, died on October 10 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Dan, 63, told The Detroit News that he was preparing to call the Lions' game against the Dallas Cowboys when his wife first showed signs that something was seriously wrong.
Almost exactly two years before her death, on the morning of October 13, 2024, Cindy told her husband she was suffering from severe headaches that had made her late for work as a preschool teacher as he prepared to board the Lions' team bus in Dallas.
There was little reason for alarm at first. But later that day, she began sending jumbled messages to the family's group chat.
Dan immediately called his daughter, Sammi, and told her to take Cindy to the hospital, according to the outlet.
After calling the first half of the game, Dan was able to speak with his wife during halftime break.
Cindy reluctantly told him that doctors had found two tumors in her brain, one of which was considered particularly dangerous, according to The Detroit News.
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Cynthia Miller, who went by 'Cindy,' passed away at 63 on October 10 after battling cancer. She and her husband Dan shared four children and two grandchildren
Cynthia Miller, who went by 'Cindy,' passed away at 63 on October 10 after battling cancer. She and her husband Dan shared four children and two grandchildren
Born Cynthia Biondi, according to The Detroit News, Cindy was working as a Westwood One radio producer when she met her husband, future Lions announcer Dan Miller
Born Cynthia Biondi, according to The Detroit News, Cindy was working as a Westwood One radio producer when she met her husband, future Lions announcer Dan Miller
Following the devastating diagnosis, Cindy became a source of strength for her husband, their four children and two grandchildren.
Dan said she remained remarkably positive and encouraged him not to miss any games.
Honoring his wife's wishes, the announcer continued working as often as possible until the day she died. Her death, which fell on the same day the Lions played the Arizona Cardinals, marked the first game Dan had missed in 22 years as the Lions' radio play-by-play broadcaster on 97.1 The Ticket.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell fought back tears while dedicating an honorary game ball to Dan following the Lions' 45-21 win.
'That was hard to hear, what they went through,' Campbell said. '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. But now I know Cindy's at peace, and we love you, Dan.'
Dan was not with the team in Arizona. Instead, Detroit Tigers play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti filled in.
'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 during Sunday's broadcast.
Dan Miller is a beloved member of the Lions family after decades calling their games on radio
Dan Miller is a beloved member of the Lions family after decades calling their games on radio
Dan is pictured with Cindy, whom he shared 33 years, four children, and two grandchildren with
Dan is pictured with Cindy, whom he shared 33 years, four children, and two grandchildren with
'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 imagine. A fantastic voice of the Lions for more than two decades.'
Lions quarterback Jared Goff also shared his condolences after the game.
'We're thinking about Dan,' Goff said before becoming emotional. 'We're thinking about you, Dan. Love you, man.'
'He's an important piece of the culture here, he really is,' Goff added. 'His voice is Lions football, and he means a lot to us. He's part of our family. I talk to him weekly, and he's in our hearts right now and in all of our prayers.'
Born Cynthia Biondi, Cindy was working as a Westwood One radio producer when she met her future husband, according to The Detroit News. She later became a familiar face at Lions games, often sitting several rows behind the Detroit bench at Ford Field.
After an operation to remove plum-sized tumors from Cindy's brain, her cancer sadly returned just 15 months later.
She was diagnosed with Leptomeningeal Disease, an aggressive form of cancer that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, and causes pain up and down the body. There is no cure, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
'Cindy had a way of lighting up any room she entered,' her obituary from 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.'
Lions head coach Dan Campbell fought back tears while awarding an honorary game ball to Dan on October 11, following Cindy's death
Lions head coach Dan Campbell fought back tears while awarding an honorary game ball to Dan on October 11, following Cindy's death
Cindy later became a preschool teacher and, alongside her devotion to her family and students, was known for her love of animals.
'She had an enormous love for animals, especially cats, fostering many and welcoming numerous furry companions into her home throughout the years,' the obituary said.
'Among them, Marvin, her soul cat who greeted her in heaven, and Martha, her 17-year-old adopted dog, held especially treasured places in her heart.'
Cindy is survived by her husband and two daughters, Sammi and Rikki, and sons Tony and Robbie and grandchildren Daphne and Cecilia, The Detroit News reports.