Tampa Bay Buccaneers play-by-play announcer Gene Deckerhoff announces retirement

Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio play-by-play announcer Gene Deckerhoff has announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 NFL season. 

Deckerhoff has served as the voice of the Tampa Buccaneers for 37 seasons, which ranks as the third-longest play-by-play tenure in the NFL club history, behind Philadelphia Eagles’ Merrill Reese and the Dallas Cowboys’ Brad Sham.

In a post made by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers X account, highlights Deckerhoff’s tenure as the team's radio host—with over 750 games, and more than 1,100 "Touchdown, Tampa Bay!" calls.

37 seasons. 750+ games. More than 1,100 iconic "Touchdown, Tampa Bay!" calls.The Voice of the Buccaneers, Gene Deckerhoff, will officially retire at the conclusion of our 50th season, closing out one of the longest & most distinguished broadcasting tenures in franchise & NFL… pic.twitter.com/5zIn74k0xa

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 31, 2025

In addition to his work with the Buccaneers, Deckerhoff served as the announcer of the Florida State University Seminoles from 1979 to 2021, lending his voice to numerous teams and events throughout the decades, while also working as a local television sports director in Tallahassee. 

“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 worked with over 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.”