The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are turning to an experienced college sports voice to begin a new era in the radio booth.
The organization introduced Tony Castricone as its new radio play-by-play announcer, making him the lead voice of Buccaneers Radio Network coverage and the successor to franchise legend Gene Deckerhoff. Castricone spent the last nine years as the voice of the University of Washington’s football and men’s basketball programs, while calling major college events on the West Coast.
Deckerhoff retired after the 2025 season following nearly four decades as one of the most recognizable voices in franchise history. He joined the Buccaneers in 1989 and became synonymous with the team’s biggest moments, including both Super Bowl-winning seasons, while calling more than 750 games across the preseason, regular season, and playoffs.
Castricone now steps into one of the more important broadcasting roles in the organization. He will call games for the Buccaneers Radio Network while also contributing to additional team content, giving Tampa Bay a new voice across multiple platforms as the franchise moves forward after Deckerhoff’s long run.
“Following a comprehensive nationwide search, we are thrilled to welcome Tony to the Buccaneers,” Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford said. “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.”
Castricone is best known nationally as the “Voice of the Huskies,” serving as director of broadcasting and lead play-by-play announcer for Washington football and men’s basketball. That experience should help with the transition to the NFL, where radio broadcasters are tasked with painting a complete picture for listeners while also becoming part of a team’s weekly rhythm and long-term identity. Replacing Deckerhoff will not be simple. His signature calls, including “Touchdown, Tampa Bay!” and “Fire the Cannons,” became part of Buccaneers history and helped connect generations of fans to the franchise. He was not just a broadcaster but a familiar companion through the team’s rise from years of struggles to two Super Bowl championships.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Tony Castricone succeeds Gene Deckerhoff as Bucs gameday radio voice
Reporting by Glenn Erby , Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Glenn Erby , Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
