“Fire the cannons!” Gene Deckerhoff will return as the radio voice of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for another season. He has held this role since 1989 and, despite turning 80 in May, his enthusiasm for the game remains strong. Iconic calls like “Touchdown, Tampa Bay!” and “Fire the cannons!” after Bucs touchdowns at home have delighted countless fans over the years.
Gene Deckerhoff is the voice of my childhood as a Bucs fan. Dad and I listening to the radio in his truck while we shot hoops together is a memory of mine that I’ll hold sacred. https://t.co/mHdbtjY7wq
— Jordan (@hereisjordann) December 16, 2024
Fox Sports’ Greg Auman confirmed Deckerhoff’s comeback, stating, “Cool news, and not a surprise at all: the great Gene Deckerhoff says he will be back on the call for Bucs radio for the team’s 50th season — his 37th — in 2025.”
Cool news, and not a surprise at all: the great Gene Deckerhoff says he will be back on the call for Bucs radio for the team’s 50th season — his 37th — in 2025.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) January 25, 2025
If Deckerhoff’s voice sounds familiar, it’s because he was the longtime PA announcer for EA Sports’ Madden NFL games. Bucs fans are thrilled to have him back for another year, as reflected in the excitement on social media.
Now this is the biggest news of the offseason for the #Bucs. Gene Deckerhoff is just different. Real ones remember when the NFL had those absurd blackout rules where you couldn’t watch your own team’s home games at times. Gene’s voice was all we had. https://t.co/GchpnKyMhx
— Nick Geddes (@NickGeddesNews) January 25, 2025
Growing up as a FSU and Bucs fan, Gene is the voice of my football life. Glad he’s back, and he can stay as long as he wants to!
— Michael A. Hall (@mahall85) January 25, 2025
I cannot emphasize enough how happy this makes me!
— Sarah (@Mamaruns) January 25, 2025
Deckerhoff also served as the radio voice of Florida State football from 1979 through 2022. After retiring from that position, many wondered if he might step away from the Buccaneers role soon, but it appears he will continue in 2025.
