Gene Deckerhoff Jr.

Gene Deckerhoff Jr. is a legendary American sports broadcaster. He began broadcasting in 1965, covering high school and little league basketball, baseball and football games. In 1979, Deckerhoff secured his iconic role as the “Voice of the Seminoles,” beginning with FSU’s undefeated regular season and their first New Year’s Day bowl game. 1989, Deckerhoff also became the play-by-play announcer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His broadcasts spanned over 43 seasons with FSU football, 48 seasons with FSU basketball and 35 seasons with the Buccaneers, making him one of the most recognized voices in sports broadcasting. Deckerhoff’s career also extended into television as a sports director starting in 1976. He also hosted the popular “Bobby Bowden Show” and produced the long running “Great Moments in FSU Football” series. Gene Deckerhoff Productions, founded in 1990, focused on sports play-by-play announcing and producing radio commercials. Deckerhoff also coordinated the Seminole Radio Network and produced several television programs. Deckerhoff was named Florida Sportscaster of the Year 16 times and Best Play-by-Play Announcer in Florida for 18 consecutive years. Other honors include the Chris Schenkel Award (2013), the Lindsey Nelson Award (2015), and inductions into several halls of fame: Florida Sports Hall of Fame (2000), FSU Athletics Hall of Fame (2002), Florida Community College Activities Hall of Fame (2004) and Florida Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame (2024).