Over 37 years as the voice of the Bucs, Gene Deckerhoff left a lasting legacy, one that should soon be immortalized with an induction into the Bucs Ring of Honor inside Raymond James Stadium. For now, though, the City of Tampa is honoring his legacy in a different way.

On Tuesday, Mayor Jane Castor and the City of Tampa declared Jan. 27 “Gene Deckerhoff Day” in Tampa Bay.

Deckerhoff announced just before the turn of the year that the 2025 season would be his final season calling games as the radio voice of the Bucs. His 37-year tenure ranks as the third-longest in the NFL behind only Philadelphia’s Merrill Reese and Dallas’ Brad Sham.

After joining the Bucs in 1989, Deckerhoff called more than 750 preseason, regular season and playoff games. He was the voice of the team for two Super Bowls, eight division titles and 12 playoff appearances.

Gene Deckerhoff – Photo courtesy of the Buccaneers

“Calling Buccaneers games has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career,” Deckerhoff said in a press release back on Dec. 31. “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.”

“Gene Deckerhoff Day” Is Just The Latest Honor For A Tampa Bay Icon

The declaration of Jan. 27 as “Gene Deckerhoff Day” by Mayor Castor and the City of Tampa is far from the first honor Gene Deckerhoff has received in his illustrious broadcasting career. Between his career as the radio voice of the Bucs from 1989-2025 and the tie he spent as the play-by-play voice of the Florida State Seminoles from 1979-2021, he earned accolade after accolade.

Over the years, Deckerhoff earned 17 Florida Sportscaster of the Year awards, plus he was honored with the National Football Foundation’s Chris Schenkel Award in 2013, an award presented annually to a broadcaster who has demonstrated long-time excellence in play-by-play announcing.

Gene Deckerhoff and Bryan Glazer – Photo courtesy of the Buccaneers

Deckerhoff was also inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 2000, becoming just the fourth broadcaster to receive that honor. He is also a member of the Florida State University Athletics Hall of Fame (2002), Florida Community College Activities Hall of Fame (2004) and Florida Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame (2024).

So, having his own day dedicated to him in the Tampa Bay area is only the latest honor for Deckerhoff. And it’s hard to image it’ll be the last.

Up next should be an induction into the Bucs Ring of Honor. He has spent so many years serving as the emcee on Ring of Honor induction days for other legends, but now it’s time for him to have his day (well, another day. He already has one.).

Why not make that happen in 2026 if you’re the Bucs? It’s already going to be weird enough for Buccaneer fans to get through their Sundays without Gene Deckerhoff’s voice in their ears, so why not give the home fans at least one Sunday that’s all about Deckerhoff and all of his iconic calls over the years.

Make it happen, Bucs.