‘That was my red line’: Chiefs PA announcer steps down after 16 years behind the mic over 3rd down call

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - After more than 16 years as a Kansas City Chiefs public address announcer, a familiar voice is saying goodbye.

Dale Carter is the morning show host at KFKF and has a voice every Chiefs fan recognizes.

On Thursday, he announced he was resigning from his role with the Chiefs.

Fans may know him as the deep voice announcing each down for the Chiefs — particularly third down!

Carter took to social media to let Chiefs Kingdom know about his sudden departure.

Carter said it was a line he couldn’t cross.

He arrived in Kansas City in 2009 after a stint in New England.

“I got a call from a headhunter who says ‘hey, you ever thought about moving to Kansas City?’” Carter explained.

And the rest is history.

Carter began to understand his role as what he calls is the “Audio propagandist” for the Chiefs, helping give the team an edge.

“When I did games early on and coaches were sending up complaints about the PA guy,” he reflected. “I knew it was working.”

And that it did.

Chiefs fans have followed Carter’s lead each call, mimicking his deep voice on third down and his upbeat tone to move the chains for a first down.

Though Carter said leaving his PA position is bittersweet, he has plenty of special memories to reflect on.

“I was blessed to be the Chiefs’ PA announcer for 16 seasons, plus one preseason game,” he said. “I never missed a game during that time...I worked every major Fall/Winter holiday. I feel like I gave everything I had. It’s just time to close that chapter.”

Carter also relayed on social media that he plans to focus his efforts now on family, radio, his podcast and running in 2026 for Jackson County Legislature.