Looks Like It’s Gene Deckerhoff’s Final Season; Bucs Radio Play-By-Play Man Retires
March 18th, 2022
Bucs voice Gene Deckerhoff.
Who will ever forget that deep voice, “Aaahhhlll-Stott up the gut!” or “Touchdown Tampa Bay!” Few Bucs fans, that’s who.
And by golly, this 2022 season will be special for long-time Buccaneers Radio Network play-by-play man Gene Deckerhoff as he is calling it quits. Deckerhoff said, per the Tallahassee Democrat, he’s just about done.
Deckerhoff announced that he is retiring from working behind the mic. Also the voice of Florida State football and basketball, Deckerhoff will finish his duties with Florida State with the football team’s spring game, types Jim Henry. Deckerhoff announced he will fulfill his Bucs commitment for the 2022 season, which hopefully ends with the Super Bowl.
Deckerhoff, who turns 77 in May, will step away following his radio broadcast of FSU’s spring football game Saturday, April 9, at Doak Campbell Stadium at 5 p.m.
“It has been a lifetime of great moments – great players, great coaches, great games, great memories, and most of all great Seminole fans,” Deckerhoff said in a statement released by FSU.
“A life’s work that reads like a best selling novel played out on the radio. I have been blessed.”
Joe had no idea Deckerhoff will be 77. He looks pretty young to be an old guy. He got the Bucs job in 1989.
Deckerhoff endeared himself to fans and listeners because he was sort of a Harry Caray of football. He makes no bones about who he wants to win and has no interest in calling it down the middle. He didn’t even try. He rankled many journalists for using the word “we” when referring to the Bucs or Seminoles.
Joe didn’t have an issue with that because Deckerhoff was employed by the Bucs and Florida State. So he was accurate.
Deckerhoff got worked up over good Bucs plays and wins just like a fan at the bar or in his living room. Fans, his listeners, could relate and bond.
Outside of Rondé Barber’s pick-six to send the Bucs to their first Super Bowl, it was another highlight against the Eagles that Joe remembers fondly. Matt Bryant hit a game-winning 62-yard field goal and Deckerhoff screamed, “Matt. Bryant. You. Are. My. Hero!“
Treasure that voice this season, Bucs fans. It’s Deckerhoff’s last.
March 18th, 2022 at 2:15 pm
I actually listen to Gene and Dave Moore and put the TV on mute.
I will miss Gene Deckerhoff but I think it’s time. He is constantly saying the wrong names during a play and Dave Moore will usually cover for him.
I didn’t mind it too much in years past but it has gotten worse the past few seasons.
Good luck to Gene – a legendary radio announcer.
I will truly miss his voice.
Except when he gets all excited when the other team scores – that has always driven me nuts… lol.
March 18th, 2022 at 2:17 pm
Dang hard to imagine this! I’ve heard Gene call the games ever since I could remember as a little kid. Definitely makes it exciting. My dad back in the day would mute the TV sometimes in favor of letting the radio play and we’d still watch it. Much love and respect for all you’ve done, Gene!
March 18th, 2022 at 2:18 pm
“Perriman!!! Perriman!!! Perriman!!!”
March 18th, 2022 at 2:20 pm
I love this guy! I remember where I was when he called out that Matt Bryant field goal. I turn off the television audio and listen to Bucs games via Mr. Deckerhoff’s voice. Many hours of pleasure listening to him. He will be greatly missed. Thank you so much Mr.Gene! Best of health and happiness to you!
March 18th, 2022 at 2:25 pm
The return of
Jesse Ventura ?
March 18th, 2022 at 2:26 pm
“Glad he’s going for one last ride with us. I love listening to Gene, even though quite often I can’t tell what’s going on or who is doing it!
Last season he tracked me up, JTS made a play and Gene called him “Joe Tryon Showinski.”
You go, Joe! You go Joe!!!
March 18th, 2022 at 2:29 pm
“alstott up the gut” was one of the best memories for me as a young man. That and wearing a bag on my head with the eyes cut out.
March 18th, 2022 at 2:30 pm
As long as it’s not going to be TJ I’ll be fine!
March 18th, 2022 at 2:34 pm
He got the Bucs job in 1989.
His co-hosts that year.
Al Keck
Jesse Ventura
If anyone has those ’89 radio broadcasts with Ventura, please post them somewhere. As a kid, I thought ‘Mean Gene’ and Ventura played off each other well. I don’t remember anything Keck did. But Deckerhoff played the straight man while Ventura would talk about the refs being blind, missing a call and hitting them with chairs. Those were some really fun broadcasts for a pretty bad team.
But Deckerhoff still sounds great – still does a great call of the game, didn’t seem to be slowing down. While I hate the ‘Holy Gronkamole’ stuff, those cheesy nicknames were never part of his stick until later years, outside of that I still really enjoy listening to him.
I don’t know who they’ll get to replace Mean Gene, but I’ll surely hate them as I don’t even remember ever hearing a Bucs broadcast before Deckerhoff.
March 18th, 2022 at 2:35 pm
“He didn’t even try. He rankled many journalists for using the word “we” when referring to the Bucs or Seminoles.”
Screw said journalists.
I was 11 years old when he began calling Bucs games. So many memories of listening in the house or on a little radio in the Sombrero bleachers. Gene is the most enduring symbol of the BUCS. We HAVE to get him one more Lombardi. LFG
I also propose a giant animatronic Gene Deckerhoff at the stadium that says “Touchdown Tampa Bay!” “The dagger’s in!” etc.
March 18th, 2022 at 2:37 pm
I love Gene but he gives me mini heart attacks while listening and unable to watch…..
“Johnson back to throw, has a receiver in the middle, caaaaaaught ball, oh intercepted at the 8 yard line by…”
I would use JW’s plays but there’s not enough space!!!
March 18th, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Such an iconic voice for the Bucs for many years. You will be missed. Question though, did he get Super Bowl rings the 2 years we won the Lombardi? If not he should have.
March 18th, 2022 at 2:44 pm
He will DEFINITELY be missed.
Just an ICONIC part of BUCS lore, with that voice & the inflections.
THANK YOU GENE.
March 18th, 2022 at 2:46 pm
His “Touchdown Tampa Bay” is legendary. The NFL network uses it all the time instead of the crew covering the game on TV.
Everyone needs to retire at some point. Except a certain “someone” who told his wife he is playing until he’s 50. I saw that on TV too. No backing out now.
LFG Bucs
March 18th, 2022 at 2:46 pm
And of course, we will still be able to hear
Tom Krasnicki (T-Kras) on the air, with the incredible impersonation of Gene.
It is outstanding. 🙂
March 18th, 2022 at 2:48 pm
Mike alstott up the gut, touchdown tampa bay !!!!! Love it
March 18th, 2022 at 2:51 pm
HOLEY GRONKOMOLY!!!
March 18th, 2022 at 2:54 pm
The GOAT of Bucs radio.
March 18th, 2022 at 2:57 pm
Fire those cannons! Gene will always be the best.
March 18th, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Best play by play on radio 4evers.. Mean Gene Fire the cannon!!!!
March 18th, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Will miss you Gene.
March 18th, 2022 at 3:01 pm
One of the best…
March 18th, 2022 at 3:02 pm
Thanks, Gene!! You will be missed!
March 18th, 2022 at 3:03 pm
Bellingham Bucs Fan Says:
I also propose a giant animatronic Gene Deckerhoff at the stadium that says “Touchdown Tampa Bay!” “The dagger’s in!” etc.
—————–
I love this idea! Need to get it done.
March 18th, 2022 at 3:24 pm
Damn, I will miss him.
March 18th, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Gene will be missed when not calling the Bucs games. Enjoy the good life big fella. Now who to replace him?? Could you imagine Dave Mishima??? That’s my vote!!
March 18th, 2022 at 3:33 pm
Deckerhoff……great voice !!!
March 18th, 2022 at 3:34 pm
Marine Buc, my sentiments exactly. Living over here on Florida’s east coast, I am forced to listen to many games on the radio (fewer since TB12’s arrival), without having the TV as a backup. Love the voice and understand he’s a legend, but I think he’s making the right decision.
March 18th, 2022 at 3:35 pm
“Run Michael, run Michael, run!!” Michael Spirlock’s kickoff return for TD – first in franchise history. Gene is a legend. Been listening to him from the beginning. Love you Gene!
March 18th, 2022 at 3:40 pm
“I’ve never scene Jurevicius run that fast.”
March 18th, 2022 at 3:44 pm
Noooooo!!! He’s the greatest radio voice in all of sports!
March 18th, 2022 at 3:47 pm
So long Gene (after 2022) loved your announcing for us. A lot of great memories. Bucs win! Bucs win! Bucs win! Fire those cannons! 💥
March 18th, 2022 at 3:56 pm
Can you trade picks for new play-by play guys or naw?!?
March 18th, 2022 at 4:20 pm
I remember the Barber call, I don’t remember the Matt Bryant call because I was at the game. I also remember the Run Michael Run call. Many great calls over the years but those really stick out.
March 18th, 2022 at 4:23 pm
So many great calls..
But his call of Jurevicious’ big play in Philly still gives me chills.
“ YOU GO JOE! YOU GO JOE!
March 18th, 2022 at 4:31 pm
D-Rome Says:
March 18th, 2022 at 4:20 pm
I remember the Barber call, I don’t remember the Matt Bryant call because I was at the game.
———
OMG, the Bryant call is one of the best in the history of sports. Go right now to YouTube and give it a listen! RIGHT NOW!
March 18th, 2022 at 4:34 pm
D-Rome – just make sure you listen to the full call, not the idiot who posted up like a 13-second clip, ignore that one, you need the ‘won it the old fashion way, with a 62-yard FG’ line…
March 18th, 2022 at 4:36 pm
I started paying attention to the Bucs in ’93 so Gene is the only guy I’ve heard call Bucs games. Thank you sir, you’ll be missed.
March 18th, 2022 at 4:38 pm
I’ve been a Buc fan since the beginning. I can’t remember who called the games from’76 to ‘89. Someone help me out.
March 18th, 2022 at 4:39 pm
Joe,
1. It would be cool if you could create an open thread for Bucs fans to pay tribute/thank Gene for the impact he’s had on all of us, and then compile it and give it to him on behalf of your readers.
2. Sometimes I’ll switch over to the away station on SiriusXM just to hear what the other announcers are saying. I was shocked to learn how, and I hate to say it, kind of boring their delivery was. I just assumed that everyone on the NFL level was similarly talented when it came to play-by-play announcing. I was wrong, really wrong! I feel for the person that fills that position, as all people are going to think for the first several seasons is “He’s no Gene”.
March 18th, 2022 at 4:47 pm
“RUN, Michael, RUN!!” He’s an all-time classic!! I can’t imagine listening to a different voice doing Bucs games! Such a class act, Gene-O will be sorely missed! I remember meeting him at the Marriott Westshore, waiting for the shuttle to the game, during the first season at the RayJay– couldn’t hand been nicer!! An all-time Buc GREAT!!
March 18th, 2022 at 5:01 pm
Put Gene on the Ring of Honor!!
March 18th, 2022 at 5:04 pm
One of the best of all time! Great guy too!
March 18th, 2022 at 5:04 pm
Who was the announcer he replaced? I remember Mark Champion, and I was thrilled when Gene became the voice of the Bucs. He’s my favorite play by play announcer EVER! Thanks for decades of great memories, and for keeping things interesting when the team. Wasn’t at its best.
March 18th, 2022 at 5:17 pm
Sorry, as stated, his retirement was long overdue. Instead of the “shucks & aww”, “fire THEM cannons” & “25 YERDline”, folksy type, I’d love a sharp, cerebral Dave Mishcan (sp)-esqe broadcaster.
March 18th, 2022 at 5:29 pm
Joe,
In light of this news, you have to post the top 10 – Top 25 Gene calls!
March 18th, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Did Scot Brantley call/ color games with Gene?
March 18th, 2022 at 5:32 pm
Didn’t he retire once before? Or am I imagining things? (again)
March 18th, 2022 at 5:37 pm
I remember the Matt Bryant call with Hardy Nickerson. Hardy going completely nuts. Hallelujah!!!!
March 18th, 2022 at 6:01 pm
Rick,,,,,,
I am not opposed to that AT ALL.
Gene Deckerhoff DEFINITELY deserves a spot in the Ring of Honor.
March 18th, 2022 at 6:02 pm
Damn…..
FIRE THE CANNONS.
March 18th, 2022 at 6:16 pm
Hey why don’t we place Gene Deckerhoff in the ring of honor…..Goodness knows he deserves it!!!
March 18th, 2022 at 6:44 pm
Gene absolutely goes on the Ring of Honor. He’ll, canonize him with a bronze statue outside the stadium, like they did with Haray Caray. So much Bucs nostalgia tied together with Gene. And always a class act.
“Was that a bullet or a dagger?”
March 18th, 2022 at 6:50 pm
Good for Gene! One more time and hopefully we make it memorable. And yes it would be nice to have a few canned phrases ready to go at Ray Jay down the road. Hope he lives a long life in retirement!
March 18th, 2022 at 6:52 pm
That man should go directly into the R.O.H.
March 18th, 2022 at 6:57 pm
I hate FSU (Canes fan here).
LOVE mean Gene!!!!
One of the greats in the game. Let’s go find another man to be just as classic as he was boys!
March 18th, 2022 at 7:17 pm
it won’t be the same with out mean gene d…
#RadioGodz
March 18th, 2022 at 7:52 pm
Lol I like Bellingham’s idea, but surprised no one else has said it:
Gene Deckerhoff Deserves a spot in the ring of honor!
March 18th, 2022 at 7:59 pm
GENO YOU ROCK! LFG!
March 18th, 2022 at 8:10 pm
The comparison with the legendary Harry Caray is great. Harry was a fascinating character in his “real life”.
We will miss you, Gene! Next year, that is. 🙄 😍 Go Bucs!
March 18th, 2022 at 9:18 pm
Suffering76
Mark Champion was the first as far as I remember. Then Al Keck And Jesse Ventura?
Definitely remember Champion before he went to Detroit.
March 18th, 2022 at 9:20 pm
SB LV
Brantley was on the Ronde Int call,”He
Gone!!” so yes for sure.
March 18th, 2022 at 10:49 pm
Nobody’s gonna touch him …. 50, 15, 10, 5 Touchdown Tampa Bay. Greatest play in Bucs history as called by Gene.
March 18th, 2022 at 10:57 pm
Gotta love Gene! I wonder who is going to do the FSU broadcasts this fall? Anyhow, hopefully Gene can call one more championship season before he rides off into the sunset.
March 19th, 2022 at 1:11 am
Let’s send him out with another SUPER BOWL WIN!!
March 19th, 2022 at 2:08 am
iconic voice! thank you Gene!
March 19th, 2022 at 6:35 am
maybe meshawn johnson wants the job. he loves to talk
March 19th, 2022 at 7:25 am
Best to ever wear the headsets
March 19th, 2022 at 10:13 am
Gene, congratulations on an amazing career! You and TB12 need to be inducted into the Ring of Honor at the same time since you are both GOAT’s!
Thanks for all the great memories!
March 19th, 2022 at 12:32 pm
We Gotta Do IT for GENE!!!!
March 19th, 2022 at 1:57 pm
Ah, I don’t know. A hall of famer like that.
I give it a few months with the family and then he will we back!
March 19th, 2022 at 5:14 pm
There’s plenty enough tape to create a CGI (CGV?) of Gene so even after he retires we can continue to enjoy his radio voice and exuberance. He and his family can enjoy the royalties and he’ll never get a name wrong again!