For nearly four decades, Gene Deckerhoff wasn’t just the voice of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers-he was the soundtrack of fall Sundays across the Gulf Coast. Now, the city he helped electrify with every touchdown call is giving something back.
On Tuesday, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor officially declared January 27 as “Gene Deckerhoff Day,” honoring the legendary broadcaster’s 37-season run as the radio voice of the Bucs. It’s a fitting tribute for a man whose voice has echoed through Raymond James Stadium-and living rooms across the region-since 1989.
Deckerhoff announced late last year that the 2025 season would be his final ride behind the mic for the Bucs. That caps off a remarkable tenure that ranks as the third-longest in NFL broadcasting history, trailing only Philadelphia’s Merrill Reese and Dallas’ Brad Sham.
Over the course of those 37 seasons, Deckerhoff called more than 750 games, including preseason, regular season, and playoffs. He was there for two Super Bowl runs, eight division titles, and 12 playoff appearances.
If the Bucs had a moment worth remembering, chances are Gene was the one narrating it.
“Calling Buccaneers games has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career,” Deckerhoff said in a statement on December 31. “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.”
He also took time to recognize the people behind the scenes-particularly Dave Moore, his longtime radio partner for the past 19 years. “I will miss doing what I love,” Deckerhoff added, “but now is the right time to step away.”
For fans, it’s hard to imagine a Bucs game without Deckerhoff’s unmistakable voice painting the picture. His calls weren’t just informative-they were emotional, passionate, and deeply tied to the identity of the franchise. He was more than a broadcaster; he was part of the team’s DNA.
While “Gene Deckerhoff Day” is the latest in a long list of accolades, it’s far from his only recognition. His broadcasting résumé stretches well beyond Tampa Bay. From 1979 to 2021, he was also the iconic voice of the Florida State Seminoles, a role that earned him widespread respect across the college football landscape.
Over the years, Deckerhoff has collected 17 Florida Sportscaster of the Year awards and was honored with the prestigious Chris Schenkel Award by the National Football Foundation in 2013. That award is reserved for broadcasters who’ve shown long-term excellence in college football play-by-play, and Deckerhoff fit the bill perfectly.
His Hall of Fame credentials speak for themselves. He’s a member of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame (2000), the Florida State University Athletics Hall of Fame (2002), the Florida Community College Activities Hall of Fame (2004), and most recently, the Florida Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame (2024). That’s a Hall of Fame lineup that mirrors the kind of consistency and excellence he brought to every broadcast.
Still, there’s one more honor that feels inevitable: a spot in the Buccaneers Ring of Honor. Deckerhoff has spent years introducing other legends during their induction ceremonies at Raymond James Stadium.
Now, it’s time for the franchise to return the favor. He’s been the voice behind the biggest moments in team history-it’s only right that his name joins the icons he helped immortalize.
For Buccaneers fans, Sundays won’t sound the same without him. But before the headset is hung up for good, there’s still time to give Gene Deckerhoff one more moment in the spotlight. One more Sunday at Raymond James, this time with the fans cheering for him.
Because when you think of Tampa Bay football, you think of Gene Deckerhoff. And now, the city has made it official.