Longtime Chiefs public-address announcer Dale Carter resigns after dispute over third-down call
Carter, the in-stadium voice at Arrowhead for 16 seasons, said the team crossed his 'red line' when it sought to change his signature third-down call
Dale Carter, the longtime public-address announcer at Kansas City Chiefs home games, resigned Friday after saying the team asked him to alter his signature third-down call.
Carter, who had been the in-stadium voice at GEHA Field at Arrowhead for 16 seasons plus a preseason game, announced his departure on Facebook, writing that the organization "crossed my red line" when it moved to change his third-down duties. He said a person "on a high level" in the Chiefs organization had heard another stadium's PA announcer "really amp it up on 3rd down" and wanted him to "experiment with different calls." Carter said the team planned to hand over third-down call duties to another Chiefs PA announcer, Nate Herron.
In his Facebook post, Carter summarized his tenure, saying he "never missed a game during that time (even going to London for a whirlwind 48 hours)" and that he worked "every major Fall/Winter holiday." He added, "I feel like I gave everything I had. It's just time to close that chapter," and wished the organization well.
The Chiefs issued a statement to The Athletic thanking Carter "for his dedication and professionalism as the in-stadium voice at GEHA Field at Arrowhead over the past 16 seasons," and saying the team "understand[s] and respect[s] his decision and wish[es] him all the best moving forward."
Carter, who also works at a local country music radio station, became known to fans for an elongated, high-energy third-down call that frequently animated Arrowhead's crowd of about 76,000. His announced departure comes days before the Chiefs' home opener for the 2025 season, a rematch of Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In his post, Carter said he retained "tremendous respect for the organization" and noted that stepping away from the PA role will allow him to focus on a campaign for county government in Missouri.
Carter's resignation marks the end of a routine presence at Chiefs games that had become part of the game-day experience for many fans. Team officials did not immediately provide further details about long-term plans for in-stadium announcing responsibilities or whether Carter would be succeeded in a permanent capacity by Herron or another announcer.
The Chiefs' season continues with the upcoming home opener; the team and arena management did not respond immediately to requests for additional comment beyond the statement provided to The Athletic. Carter's departure removes a familiar voice from Arrowhead as the franchise prepares for the regular season and a high-profile rematch with the Eagles.