Longtime Detroit Lions radio play-by-play announcer Dan Miller missed Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals after the death of his wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Miller, who died Saturday at age 63 following a battle with leptomeningeal disease.
Miller, the voice of Lions football for more than two decades, remained at home as the team sought to improve to 3-2. Detroit entered the contest at State Farm Stadium with a 2-2 record after a 32-26 road loss to the Carolina Panthers the previous week. The Cardinals stood at 1-3.
Detroit Tigers play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti filled in alongside color commentator Lomas Brown. Benetti has called several Lions preseason games this season, including alongside former Lions offensive lineman T.J. Lang.
“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 pregame show.
“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. And it is very hard to have him be at home under the circumstances. His kids, Sammi and Rikky and Tony and Robbie, Cindy and Dan’s grandkids – Daphne and Cecilia – and their entire family, our hearts are with you.”
Miller and his wife shared four children: Sammi Burdette, Rikki Miller, Tony Miller and Robbie Miller. They also had two grandchildren, Daphne and Cecilia.
Brown, who has worked with Miller for nine years, described his colleague’s strength in recent months.
“He’s been going through a lot,” Brown said. “Just the strength of him being the caregiver for Cindy, being a father to his kids, a grandfather to the grandkids. … He’s helped me so much since I’ve been here nine years with him, and it’s just been a blessing. All our hearts are with him today. We’re going to try to get that win for him today, because I think that would cheer him up.
“I mean, it was three years ago. They were at my 60th birthday party, and it was just so great to see them together, and we got a chance to talk and laugh and eat, and just do all the things that you do at joyous occasions. And just to see that a couple of years later, for this situation to be where it is now, it’s just sad, Jason, but it tells us: take advantage of life. Take advantage of the time that you have. Take advantage of the loved ones that you’re with, because you just never know.”
Cynthia Miller was born Oct. 3, 1963, in Falls Church, Virginia. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 1985 and spent 10 years as a news producer before later working five years as a preschool teacher.
She met Dan while both worked at the Westwood One Radio Network. Their wedding took place during a historic snowstorm that dropped 20 inches of snow across the Washington, D.C., area.
“Cindy had a way of lighting up any room she entered,” her obituary 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.”
Miller was a devoted Lions fan who attended every home game, typically seated in the fifth row behind the team’s bench. Family members said some of her best memories came from the two home playoff games in 2024, which she attended with her daughters.
A memorial gathering is scheduled for 3-6 p.m. Friday at L.J. Griffin Funeral Home in Northville, Michigan, with a funeral service to follow at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the Leptomeningeal Cancer Foundation in her name.
Miller texted Benetti on Saturday with a simple request: “Now go call a win.” It remains unclear when the longtime announcer will return to the booth.
