Rick Stroud

Rick Stroud is an award-winning sports journalist currently serving as the Bucs Reporter for the Tampa Bay Times, a position he has held for several decades as of 2025. He is recognized for his deep, authoritative coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and broader Tampa Bay sports, including the Rays, Lightning, and USF. Stroud's career at the Tampa Bay Times began in the late 1980s, and he has since become a fixture in the region's sports journalism, known for his in-depth reporting, insider access, and engaging storytelling. He also hosts the daily 'Sports Day Tampa Bay' podcast, where he provides analysis and interviews with key sports figures. Stroud's writing style is direct, detail-oriented, and often features exclusive insights from team executives, coaches, and players. He has covered major events from the NFL to college football and baseball, and his longevity on the Bucs beat has made him a trusted source for both breaking news and nuanced features. Stroud is a St. Petersburg native, with a background in collegiate baseball, and is known for his ability to contextualize local sports within national narratives. His professional reputation is built on accuracy, access, and a commitment to telling the full story behind the headlines.