Former FSU announcer part of first HOF class
Gene Deckerhoff is staying busy reading, working on home projects and following his beloved Florida State Seminoles.
He also has an important – and historic – commitment scheduled in June.
Deckerhoff, the legendary voice of FSU football and men’s basketball on radio for nearly 50 years and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio play-by-play announcer, is part of the introductory class of the Florida Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
The nine-member class, which also includes the late Rush Limbaugh, will be recognized during the Florida Broadcasters Hall of Fame Gala and award ceremony at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach June 27.
“It’s humbling, a tremendous honor,” Deckerhoff said.
“Coach (Bobby) Bowden once said when you get old, you get in more Hall of Fames. My goodness, this one ranks right up there.”
Florida Association of Broadcasters announces inaugural Hall of Fame class
The Florida Association of Broadcasters announced the honorees Monday.
The class features broadcasters from both radio and television throughout Florida who have devoted a minimum of 25 years to the industry.
Deckerhoff, who turns 79 in May, was behind the radio microphone for 529 FSU football games and 1,324 FSU men’s basketball games when he announced his retirement in March 2022. His final signature call of “Touchdown Florida State” was a month later at the Seminoles’ spring football game at Doak Campbell Stadium.
The Tallahassee resident, who will be entering his 36th season with the Buccaneers, is currently recovering from cataract surgery on his left eye.
That hasn’t slowed him, however.
The personable Deckerhoff is finishing his latest book, “The American Miracle’” by Michael Medved. He still rattles off FSU statistics, trivia and stories.. And he loves the direction of the Seminoles’ football program under Mike Norvell, who led the program to a 13-1 record and Orange Bowl appearance in his fourth season in 2023.
Deckerhoff was first behind the microphone at FSU football in 1979 – three years after Bowden arrived in Tallahassee from West Virginia.
“When I first met coach Norvell, he reminded me an awful lot of younger Bobby,” said Deckerhoff, who has also been inducted into both the State of Florida Sports Hall of Fame and the FSU Athletics Hall of Fame.
“Mike is one of a kind, so much energy. I text him after every game and he’s always nice enough to respond. I think FSU is in good hands. His record speaks for itself.”
Say hello to the Florida Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Famers
Ann Bishop. First Female News Anchor, WPLG Miami.
Bernard “Bernie” E. and Edith B. Waterman. Presidents of Waterman Broadcasting.
C. Patrick “Pat” Roberts. President and CEO of the Florida Association of Broadcasters.
Emerson Eugene “Gene” Deckerhoff, Jr. Radio Play-by-play Announcer of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Longtime Voice of the Florida State Seminoles.
George G. Beasley. Founder and CEO of Beasley Media Group.
Johnny Magic. Host of Johnny’s House Morning Show, WXXL Orlando.
Richard “Dick” M. Lobo. President and CEO of WTVJ and Former Director of the International Broadcasting Bureau.
Rush Hudson Limbaugh III. Host of The Rush Limbaugh Show.
William “Bill” J. Brooks. General Manager of WPTV and Former Chairman of the Florida Association of Broadcasters.
Hall of Fame inductees were chosen from nominations by current and former employees of FAB member station (s). The final award recipients were vetted and selected by the Florida Broadcasters Selection Committee representing the broadcast industry in Florida.
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