Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell struggled to hold back tears Sunday as he presented team radio broadcaster Dan Miller with an honorary game ball following the death of Miller’s wife, Cynthia.
After Detroit’s 45-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Campbell lifted the football and dedicated it to Miller and his family.
“We’ll start with this,” Campbell said. “This ball to Dan Miller and his family.”
Cynthia, known to loved ones as Cindy, died Saturday at age 63 after a battle with cancer. She and Dan had been married for 33 years and had four children and two grandchildren.
“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.”
Miller stayed home in Arizona as he grieved. Jason Benetti, the Detroit Tigers’ play-by-play announcer, stepped in to call the Lions game in his place.
“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 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.”
Lions coach Dan Campbell became emotional while presenting broadcaster Dan Miller with an honorary game ball following the death of Miller’s wife, Cynthia
According to The Detroit News, Cynthia Biondi was working as a Westwood One radio producer when she met Dan Miller, who would later become the Lions’ longtime announcer
Cynthia “Cindy” Miller died at 63 Saturday after battling cancer. She and Dan Miller shared four children and two grandchildren
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Lions quarterback Jared Goff also offered his condolences to Miller while speaking with reporters after the game.
“We’re thinking about Dan,” Goff began, his voice breaking with emotion. “We’re thinking about you, Dan. Love you, man.”
Goff described Miller as a central figure in Detroit’s football identity.
“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. I talk to him weekly, and I know he’s in our hearts right now and in all of our prayers.”
Dan Miller remains a beloved member of the Lions family after decades of calling the team’s games on radio
Dan Miller is pictured with Cindy, his wife of 33 years and the mother of their four children
Born Cynthia Biondi, Cindy met Miller while working as a producer for Westwood One, according to The Detroit News. She later became a familiar presence at Lions games, often sitting a few rows behind the Detroit bench at Ford Field.
Her obituary from Griffin Funeral Home described Cindy as a vibrant and welcoming person who made an impression wherever she went.
“Cindy had a way of lighting up any room she entered,” the obituary stated. “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 later worked as a preschool teacher. Alongside her devotion to her family and students, she was also known for her compassion toward animals, particularly cats.
