TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – After almost four decades of “Fire those cannons!” and “Touchdown Tampa Bay!”, the great Gene Deckerhoff will retire from his role as voice of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The team announced the Tallahassee local was hanging up the headset on social media Wednesday morning.
“Calling Buccaneers games has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career. 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’s decision to step away from the Bucs comes four seasons after retiring as “Voice of the Seminoles,” where he had called FSU football full-time since 1979 and men’s basketball before that.
Starting in the 2022 season, Deckerhoff has been succeeded by former NDSU play-by-play Jeff Culhane.
The legendary voice began double duty with Florida State and Tampa Bay in 1989, and spent over three decades calling iconic moments for both the ‘Noles and the Bucs, including the 1999 and 2013 National Championships for FSU and Super Bowl XXXVII and LV for the red and pewter
“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 in a press release. “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.”
The former WCTV Sports Director has received numerous honors, including induction into the inaugural class of the Florida Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2024.
A replacement for the legendary voice in Tampa is yet to be named.
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