Dan Miller Leaves Lions Broadcast After Wife Dies

Detroit Lions radio announcer Dan Miller missed the team's broadcast against the Arizona Cardinals after his wife Cynthia Miller died at age 63, with Jason Benetti and Lomas Brown handling the call on Sunday, Oct. 11. The change came as Miller and his family mourned her death.

According to the Detroit Lions broadcast and reports from Freep and Detroit News, Benetti replaced Miller in the radio booth. Miller has served as the Lions' radio play-by-play voice since 2005 and has been a Detroit television fixture since 1997.

Benetti addressed Miller's absence during the pregame show, saying the broadcast team was missing a longtime member during a difficult moment.

"We are without a very important member of this crew for the worst possible reason, our thoughts are with Dan right now, all weekend and for the future with the loss of his wife Cindy, a couple of days ago. ... One of the most sincere human beings you can possibly dream of, a fantastic voice of the Lions for more than two decades, and its very hard to have him be at home under these circumstances." stated Jason Benetti, Lions broadcast fill-in announcer.

Benetti, the Detroit Tigers television play-by-play announcer, worked alongside former Lions offensive lineman and radio analyst Lomas Brown for the game in Arizona, according to Sports Yahoo.

Cynthia Miller and Dan Miller were married for 33 years and had four children and two grandchildren, according to her obituary. She was born Oct. 3, 1963, in Falls Church, Virginia.

Her obituary described her personality and life after her death was announced.

"Cindy had a way of lighting up any room she entered. 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." stated Cindy Miller's obituary.

The obituary said Cynthia Miller graduated from the University of Maryland in 1985 and worked as a news producer for 10 years before later spending five years as a preschool teacher.

"It was while working at Westwood One Radio Network that she met Dan, beginning a beautiful love story that would span more than three decades. Their wedding day was especially memorable, taking place during a historic snowstorm that blanketed the DMV with 20 inches of snow. Later in life, Cindy brought her warmth, energy, and caring heart into the classroom, spending five years as a preschool teacher." stated Cindy Miller's obituary.

Cynthia Miller was also known as a supporter of the Lions and attended games from a seat behind the team's bench, according to the funeral home obituary.

"Cindy also loved her Lions. The team was part of the fabric of her family and she loved attending every game, 5th row right behind the team’s bench. Some of her best memories were attending the two home playoff games with her daughters in 2024. Her family knows that she will be there in spirit when the Lions win it all." stated Cindy Miller's obituary.

A memorial gathering for Cynthia Miller is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, at L.J. Griffin Funeral Home, Northrop-Sassaman Chapel in Northville, followed by a funeral service and memorial dinner.