Legendary Chiefs Star Returns as Main Stadium Announcer After Dale Carter’s Shocking Resignation
Kansas City, September 13, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs are turning to a beloved legend to fill the void left by the sudden resignation of longtime public address announcer Dale Carter. Derrick Johnson, the Hall of Fame linebacker and heart of Chiefs Kingdom, is stepping into the mic at Arrowhead Stadium to lead the charge for the Week 2 home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Carter, the iconic voice of Arrowhead for 16 years, stunned fans by quitting on Friday after the Chiefs asked him to tweak his legendary third-down hype call and hand duties to Nate Herron. Calling it his “red line,” Carter walked away, leaving a gaping hole in the stadium’s electric atmosphere.
Johnson, a four-time Pro Bowler and Chiefs Hall of Famer with a franchise-record 1,151 tackles, is the perfect choice to reignite the crowd. “Arrowhead has always been my home, and the Chiefs Kingdom has always been my family,” Johnson said. “To be back here in a new role, leading the greatest fans in the world on game day, is an incredible honor. Once a Chief, always a Chief.”
The Chiefs’ decision to tap Johnson comes after a clash with Carter, who felt management’s push for a new third-down style—modeled on another stadium’s announcer—crossed a line. Carter, now focusing on his KFKF radio show and a Missouri county government run, thanked the organization but closed his 16-year chapter, per a Facebook post.
With the Eagles rematch of Super Bowl LIX looming, Johnson’s powerful presence is set to rally the 76,000 fans, known for making Arrowhead the NFL’s loudest stadium. His voice, familiar from Chiefs events and broadcasts, promises to deliver the same intensity that defined his playing days.
Chiefs Kingdom is buzzing with anticipation as Johnson prepares to take the mic. As Kansas City aims to overpower Philadelphia, all eyes will be on whether this legend can spark the third-down frenzy and cement his return as a new chapter in Arrowhead’s storied legacy.












