Detroit Lions Broadcaster Dan Miller Family Mourns Wife Cindy Miller’s Death at 63

Detroit Lions radio broadcaster Dan Miller is mourning the death of his wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Louise Miller, who died on October 10, 2026, at the age of 63. The couple had been married for 33 years and shared four children, Sammi, Rikki, Tony and Robbie, along with two grandchildren.

The family tragedy became public ahead of the Lions’ October 11 game against the Arizona Cardinals. Miller, who has served as Detroit’s radio play-by-play announcer since 2005, missed the broadcast as his family dealt with the loss. Detroit Tigers announcer Jason Benetti stepped in to call the game alongside analyst Lomas Brown.

Following Detroit’s 45-21 victory over Arizona, head coach Dan Campbell dedicated the game ball to Miller and his family. Quarterback Jared Goff also expressed support for the longtime broadcaster, whose voice has been associated with Lions football for more than two decades.

Who Was Dan Miller’s Wife Cindy Miller?

Cynthia Louise Miller was born on October 3, 1963, in Falls Church, Virginia, to Roy and Valerie Biondi. She grew up in Virginia before attending the University of Maryland, where she graduated in 1985.

Cindy began her professional career in broadcasting and worked as a news producer for approximately 10 years. During her time in the industry, she met Dan Miller while they were both working at Westwood One Radio Network.

Their professional connection eventually developed into a relationship. They married in 1993, beginning a marriage that lasted more than three decades.

Their wedding took place during a major snowstorm, an event remembered in accounts of their family history.

Cindy later moved away from broadcasting and worked as a preschool teacher for five years. Her obituary described her as someone who valued personal connections, family relationships and helping children.

The obituary remembered her as “a woman whose magnetic personality, infectious humor, and welcoming spirit made everyone feel like family.”

Cindy was also a committed Detroit Lions supporter. She regularly attended home games and sat in the fifth row behind the team’s bench, maintaining her own connection with the organization where her husband became a familiar voice.

Dan Miller and Cindy Miller’s Four Children

Dan and Cindy Miller raised four children together: Sammi, Rikki, Tony and Robbie Miller. Their family also includes two grandchildren, Daphne and Cecilia.

Although Dan has spent much of his professional life in television and radio, the couple generally kept their children’s personal lives away from extensive public attention.

Family remained an important part of his broadcasting career. In his official FOX 2 Detroit biography, Miller previously explained that a small gesture at the end of his television broadcasts began because of his children.

When they were younger, they would become upset if their father finished appearing on television without saying goodbye. Cindy suggested that he do something to acknowledge them.

Miller began waving at the end of his broadcasts, turning the gesture into a long-running personal tradition.

Even after his children grew older, he continued the wave. What started as a way to reassure his young children became a recognizable part of his television appearances.

The family also shared an interest in Detroit Lions football. Cindy’s obituary recalled her attendance at the team’s two home playoff games in January 2024 with her daughters, during a memorable postseason run for the franchise.

Cindy Miller’s Parents and Family Background

Cindy was the daughter of Roy and Valerie Biondi. Her early life in Falls Church, Virginia, preceded her education in Maryland and her career in the broadcasting industry.

Her marriage to Dan connected two people who understood the demands of working in news and sports media. Both had professional experience in broadcasting before they established their family life in Michigan.

Dan was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Northern Virginia. He attended George Mason University, where he studied broadcast journalism.

His professional career eventually brought him to Detroit in 1997, when he joined WJBK-TV FOX 2 as a sports broadcaster.

Michigan subsequently became the family’s longtime home. In a September 2026 interview, Miller discussed how he had originally expected his stay in Detroit to last only a few years, but eventually developed deep personal and professional ties to the area.

Dan Miller’s Family Faced Cindy’s Cancer Battle

Cindy Miller had been battling leptomeningeal disease, a serious condition in which cancer cells spread to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

The illness can cause neurological complications and requires specialized medical care. The family’s request for donations to a cancer-related foundation has also drawn attention to the condition.

During the October 11 radio broadcast, Lomas Brown discussed the responsibilities Miller had taken on while supporting his wife through her illness.

Brown acknowledged Miller’s role as a caregiver, father and grandfather, as well as the support he had provided to colleagues during their years together.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the Leptomeningeal Cancer Foundation in Cindy’s name instead of sending flowers.

Lions Broadcasters Support Dan Miller

Jason Benetti, who replaced Miller for the Arizona Cardinals game, acknowledged the family’s loss during the broadcast.

Benetti, who became the Detroit Tigers’ television play-by-play announcer in 2024, has previous experience covering NFL games and Lions preseason contests.

Before the game, Miller sent Benetti a short text message: “Go call a win.”

The message was shared during the broadcast and reflected Miller’s continued connection to the team despite his absence.

Lomas Brown, who has worked alongside Miller for years, also addressed the broadcaster’s family circumstances.

Brown said Miller had been dealing with considerable responsibilities while caring for Cindy and supporting their children and grandchildren.

The Lions’ radio broadcast continued with Benetti and Brown calling Detroit’s Week 5 matchup, while Miller remained away from his regular duties.

Dan Campbell Dedicates Lions Victory to Miller’s Family

Following the Lions’ 45-21 victory against the Arizona Cardinals on October 11, head coach Dan Campbell used his postgame appearance to recognize Miller.

Campbell dedicated the game ball to the broadcaster and his family before discussing the team’s performance.

The coach became emotional while addressing the loss and acknowledged the difficult circumstances the family had experienced.

Campbell said, “That was hard to hear what they went through. Dan is salt of the earth.”

Quarterback Jared Goff also expressed his condolences and recognized Miller’s importance to the organization.

The public tributes came after a game in which Goff threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns, while running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns.

Detroit improved to 3-2 with the victory.

Dan Miller’s Broadcasting Career in Detroit

Dan Miller has been a prominent figure in Detroit sports broadcasting since joining FOX 2 Detroit in 1997.

Before moving to Michigan, he worked in Washington, D.C., where he developed experience in television sports reporting and football coverage.

His early broadcasting career included work with WJLA, WTTG and radio stations in the Washington area. He also provided commentary for NFL Europe games.

Miller became the Detroit Lions’ radio play-by-play announcer in 2005. His tenure has covered several important periods in franchise history, including the team’s winless 2008 season and its later return to postseason success.

Alongside his Lions responsibilities, Miller has continued working as sports director and anchor at FOX 2 Detroit.

His broadcasting career has also become closely connected to his family’s life in Michigan, where he and Cindy raised their four children.

Dan Miller’s Family and Latest Update

Dan Miller’s immediate family includes his four children, Sammi, Rikki, Tony and Robbie, and grandchildren Daphne and Cecilia. Cindy Miller’s death follows 33 years of marriage and decades of family life in the Detroit area.

The family has requested memorial donations to the Leptomeningeal Cancer Foundation in her honor.

As of October 12, Miller has not publicly confirmed when he will return to the Lions’ radio booth.

Detroit enters its bye week following the victory over Arizona. The Lions are scheduled to return to action against the Green Bay Packers on October 25, giving the broadcasting team additional time before its next regular-season assignment.

Jason Benetti’s involvement in that upcoming broadcast has not been confirmed.