The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a new voice on the radio this season for the first time in 37 years, as Tony Castricone replaces the iconic Gene Deckerhoff as the team's play-by-play announcer.
Deckerhoff retired at the end of the 2025 season after 37 years in the booth for the Bucs, having provided Tampa Bay fans with some of the most legendary calls in historic moments throughout the team's history, including two Super Bowl victories.
Castricone joins the Bucs after nine years calling football and men's basketball games at the University of Washington, and he's well aware of the larger-than-life shoes he's stepping into this fall:
"Following a comprehensive nationwide search, we are thrilled to welcome Tony to the Buccaneers," said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford in a statement released by the team Tuesday. "Tony distinguished himself through his professionalism, preparation, passion and ability to connect with audiences. He understands the responsibility that comes with this role and possesses the talent and authenticity to build meaningful relationships with Buccaneers fans for years to come."
Interestingly enough, when Castricone took on his most recent role with the Huskies, he did so replacing another longtime legend in Bob Rondeau, who also held that post for the previous 37 years, according to the Bucs.
"It's the honor of a lifetime to be entrusted with this extremely rare opportunity and this one-of-a-kind role within this fantastic franchise," said Castricone, via the team's release. "I'd like to thank the Glazer family and everyone I met with during the interview process for their confidence in my abilities and for allowing me to live out this dream. I'd also like to congratulate Gene Deckerhoff on an iconic 37-year run. There will never be another Gene, and I'll miss hearing his larger-than-life voice on gamedays. The thought of following in his legendary footsteps is humbling and exhilarating. My family and I cannot wait to be Buccaneers, to be Floridians and to meet as many members of the Krewe as possible."
"Touchdown, Tampa Bay!" will sound a bit different this year, but it won't be surprising when Bucs fans quickly welcome Castricone into the Krewe with the same passion and support they've always given an irreplaceable legend in Deckerhoff.
