The Detroit Lions moved back into the win column Sunday with a dominating victory against the Arizona Cardinals. But there was clearly something bigger than the game for head coach Dan Campbell.
Hours before kickoff in Week 5, the Lions flagship radio station, 97.1 The Ticket, announced the death of Cindy Miller, the wife of the team’s veteran play-by-play radio announcer, Dan Miller.
Before answering any questions at the postgame podium, Campbell presented Sunday’s game ball to Miller and sent his condolences to their family. Campbell was so emotional, he had trouble speaking, as he fought back tears.
“Let’s start with this. This ball goes to Dan Miller and his family,” said Campbell. “That was hard to hear what they went through. It’s been a tough road for Dan. This is for him.
“Salt of the earth, man. Dan is the salt of the earth. I know this has been hard, but now, I know that Cindy is at peace. We love you, Dan. Appreciate you.”
Cindy passed away Saturday at the age of 63 after a battle with Leptomeningeal disease. Cindy and Dan were married for 33 years and had four children together.
Dan didn’t announce the game in Arizona on Sunday. Detroit Tigers television play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti filled in for Miller.
Dan Campbell Presents Game Ball to Radio Play-By-Play Announcer Dan Miller
As one can imagine, it’s been a very difficult time for the Miller family. With how much Miller means to the Lions, it’s no easier for members of the organization. That was very evident by Campbell’s presentation of the game ball to the Miller family, which was quite a classy act.
Benetti shared that he spoke to Dan before replacing him in Week 5. Dan told Benetti at the end of their conversation to “go call a win.”
During the radio station’s pre-game show, Benetti delivered a heartfelt message to Dan and his family.
“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, via MLive.com’s Kory Woods. “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.”
Lions’ Jared Goff Also Delivers Emotional Message to Miller
Goff didn’t talk about Miller during his postgame press conference. But while still on the field Sunday, the quarterback shared what Miller means to him and the Lions organization while speaking to FOX Sports sideline reporter Allison Williams.
“We’re thinking about you, Dan. We love you man,” said Goff while looking into the camera and fighting back tears.
“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 apart of our family. I talk to him weekly. I know he’s in our hearts right now and all of our prayers.”
The Miller family asked in lieu of flowers that donations in Cindy’s name be made to the Leptomeningeal Cancer Foundation.
Dan Campbell Gets Emotional With Week 5 Game Ball After Death in Lions Family