Buccaneers fans left heartbroken as team’s ‘unmistakable voice’ Gene Deckerhoff retires after 37 years
Gene Deckerhoff, the radio voice of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the last 37 years, is calling it quits after the 2025 season.
The 80-year-old Jacksonville native was also the voice of Florida State football until the Seminoles’ 2022 spring game, but is now stepping away from the booth entirely, much to the dismay of football fans.
‘After 37 incredible seasons, Gene Deckerhoff has become more than a voice, he’s the soundtrack of Buccaneers history,’ one fan wrote on X. ‘NFL fans everywhere will feel the end of an era when he steps away.’
‘That’s truly the voice of a legend,’ another added. ‘Will miss him during the games.’
Several were admittedly worried about the change: ‘Gonna be weird hearing games without his voice.’
Buccaneers owner Bryan Glazer, whose family also controls Manchester United, did his best to put Deckerhoff’s place in team history into perspective.
Gene Deckerhoff, the long-time radio voice of the Bucs and Florida State football, is retiring
Deckerhoff speaks at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl trophy presentation prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 9, 2021 in Tampa
‘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,’ Glazer said.
‘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 was gracious in announcing his retirement, thanking fans for listening to him for more than 800 games.
Gene Deckerhoff was the voice of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the last 37 seasons
‘Calling Buccaneers games has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career,’ Deckerhoff said in a team statement. ‘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.’
A former Bucs tight end, Moore has been Deckerhoff’s broadcast partner since 2007.
Deckerhoff, best known for his ‘touchdown Tampa Bay!’ calls, could be retired after the Buccaneers’ season finale against the Carolina Panthers. With a win, Tampa Bay will win the NFC South and advance to the playoffs, but a loss will give the division to the Panthers, ending the Bucs’ season.
