While the Detroit Lions’ big win over the Arizona Cardinals was cause for celebration, the team did so without one of their key pieces of the last two decades. Lions radio play-by-play announcer Dan Miller missed the game following the death of his wife, Cindy, this weekend. Miller was loved by almost everyone around him for his incredible work ethic, intense kindness, and sharp wit.
After the Lions’ 45-21 win over the Cardinals, several people within the Lions organization honored Miller and sent love his way.
Of course, it started with Lions coach Dan Campbell, who fought back tears in his opening post-game statement as he dedicated a game ball to Miller.
“This ball goes to Dan Miller and his family,” Campbell said. “It’s hard to hear what they’ve been through. It’s been a hard road for Dan. This is for him. Dan is salt of the earth, salt of the earth, and I know it’s been hard. But now I know Cindy is at peace, and we love you, Dan. So I’ll cherish you.”
Even quarterback Jared Goff was almost speechless when asked about Miller in a post-game interview on the field.
“Yeah, we’re thinking about Dan. Yeah, I’m sorry,” Goff said, before pausing for a few seconds to regain his composure. “Yeah, we’re thinking of you, Dan. I love you, man.”
“He’s just an important part of the culture here. He really is,” Goff continued. “His voice is Lions football, and he’s important to us. He’s part of our family, and I talk to him every week. I know he’s in our hearts right now and in all our prayers.”
Also noteworthy was the reaction of Miller’s daughter Rikki, who posted on Twitter how much the Campbell family meant to them as they journeyed through Cindy’s battle with cancer.
And former Lions tackle Taylor Decker also shared his love for Miller.