The distinctive radio play-by-play announcer of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Florida State Seminoles — a member of the inaugural 2024 class of the Florida Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame — is retiring from his role with the National Football League franchise’s audio broadcasts.
In an announcement revealed by the Bucs on Wednesday morning (12/31), Gene Deckerhoff’s retirement as the team’s principal play-by-play announcer is coming.
The date: the team’s final game of the current NFL season, which will be determined by Sunday’s pivotal match-up against the Carolina Panthers.
Deckerhoff has spent 37 seasons, taking the role in 1989 — a time when the Bucs were the laughingstock of the NFL but showed promise under second-year head coach Ray Perkins, who replaced two-win leader Leeman Bennett.
Since then, he’s called the 2003 Super Bowl victory over the Raiders in San Diego and the 2021 win — at home — over the Kansas City Chiefs, in addition to more than 800 other games for the Buccaneers.
“For 37 seasons, Gene Deckerhoff’s voice has set the scene for the most iconic moments in our franchise’s history, and his signature calls will forever resonate with Buccaneers fans,” said Buccaneers Owner/Co-Chairman Bryan Glazer. “His passion, authenticity, and unmistakable voice created memories that have been cherished and enjoyed by countless generations of Buccaneers fans. As he closes out his extraordinary journey, we congratulate Gene on a remarkable broadcasting career and wish him a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement.”
Deckerhoff retired as the radio voice of the Florida State Seminoles at the end of the 2021 season. It was a role he took in 1979 and helped influence the Buccaneers in hiring him.
“Calling Buccaneers games has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career,” said Deckerhoff. “I’ve had the fortune to form meaningful relationships with players, coaches and staff members as well as interact with thousands of Buccaneers fans everywhere in the world. My wife, Ann, and I are grateful to the Glazer family for allowing us to be a part of the Buccaneers organization for so many wonderful years. I am equally thankful to all the members of the radio crew and the partners I have had with me through the years– particularly Dave Moore, who has been by my side for the past 19 years. I will miss doing what I love, but now is the right time to step away.”
Deckerhoff turned 80 years old in May 2025.
