TAMPA, Fla. (AP) 鈥� Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio play-by-play announcer Gene Deckerhoff is retiring after 37 seasons in the booth.
Known for his signature 鈥淭ouchdown, Tampa Bay!鈥� call and coining the phrase 鈥淔ire the Cannons!鈥� after the Bucs score at home, Deckerhoff announced Wednesday this is his last season.
鈥淐alling Buccaneers games has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career,鈥� Deckerhoff said. 鈥淚鈥檝e 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 鈥� 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.鈥�
The Buccaneers (7-9) must beat the Panthers on Saturday to have a chance to win the NFC South and give Deckerhoff one more playoff game. They would advance with a victory against Carolina coupled with the Falcons losing or tying tie the Saints on Sunday.
Deckerhoff鈥檚 37 seasons rank as the third-longest play-by-play tenure for an NFL club, behind only Merrill Reese with the Eagles and Brad Sham with the Cowboys.
Deckerhoff has called more than 750 Buccaneers preseason, regular season and playoff games since joining the organization in 1989.
鈥淔or 37 seasons, Gene Deckerhoff鈥檚 voice has set the scene for the most iconic moments in our franchise鈥檚 history, and his signature calls will forever resonate with Buccaneers fans,鈥� said Buccaneers owner/co-chairman Bryan Glazer. 鈥淗is passion, authenticity, and unmistakable voice created memories that have been cherished and enjoyed by countless generations of Buccaneers fans. As he closes out his extraordinary journey, we congratulate Gene on a remarkable broadcasting career and wish him a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement.鈥�
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