Gene Deckerhoff facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emerson Eugene Deckerhoff
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| Born | May 2, 1945 Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
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| Alma mater | University of Florida |
| Known for | Voice of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Voice of the Florida State Seminoles |
| Spouse(s) | Ann Deckerhoff |
| Children | 3 children, 6 grandchildren |
Gene Deckerhoff (born May 2, 1945) is a famous sports announcer. He is best known as the radio voice for the NFL team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has been announcing their games since 1989.
Gene also used to be the main voice for the Florida State Seminoles sports teams. He called their football, men's basketball, and baseball games for many years. He stopped announcing for FSU after the football team's spring game in 2022. He also announced games for other teams, like the Orlando Predators and Tampa Bay Storm in the Arena Football League. You might have even heard his voice in video games like EA Sports Madden NFL and NCAA Football.
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Gene Deckerhoff's Career in Sports Broadcasting
Gene Deckerhoff has had a long and exciting career in sports. He became well-known for his energetic announcing style. He made watching or listening to games even more fun for fans.
Working with Coach Bobby Bowden
For a time, Gene Deckerhoff hosted a TV show with former FSU head coach Bobby Bowden. The show was called "The Bobby Bowden Show." They would talk about the football game from the day before. The show often had a special guest, Burt Reynolds, who was a famous actor and used to play football for FSU.
Calling Games for Two Teams
From 1989 to 2022, Gene announced games for both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Florida State Seminoles. This meant he was very busy during football season! He and his wife would travel between Tallahassee and Tampa when both teams had home games.
Gene's Famous Catchphrases
Gene Deckerhoff is famous for his exciting calls during games. After every touchdown by the Buccaneers, he shouts, "Touchdown, Tampa Bay!" When the Bucs play at home in Raymond James Stadium, he also adds, "Fire the cannons!" This is a special shout-out to the cannons that fire off after every touchdown at the stadium.
Awards and Recognition
Gene Deckerhoff has received many honors for his work. In 2000, he was added to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame. Two years later, in 2002, he was also inducted into the Florida State University Athletics Hall of Fame. Even though he went to the University of Florida, he once said, "I'm not a Gator - Period." This shows his strong loyalty to the Seminoles.
