The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced on Thursday that they will be reinstating former head coach Jon Gruden into their Ring of Honor. Gruden was removed in 2021 after resigning from his role as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders due to the emergence of emails containing racist, homophobic, and misogynistic language. Since then, Gruden has only held a position in the league as a consultant for the New Orleans Saints before transitioning to media, where he launched his own YouTube channel and recently joined Barstool Sports.
The Buccaneers have since reconsidered their stance, issuing a statement regarding their decision. “Jon Gruden was initially inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor based on his many accomplishments during his seven seasons as our head coach, and he remains a significant figure in the history of our franchise,” the statement read. “Upon further reflection, we have decided to reinstate him into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.”
Gruden served as Tampa Bay’s head coach from 2000 to 2008, leading the team to its first Vince Lombardi Trophy by winning Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003. During his tenure, the Buccaneers recorded a regular-season record of 57-55 and a playoff record of 3-2. Recently, Raiders owner Mark Davis commented on Gruden’s resignation, which abruptly ended his time with the team after he was signed to a substantial 10-year contract in 2018. Davis expressed that Gruden’s departure significantly set back the organization, stating, “He was someone that I brought in and really expected to be that person on the football side that would bring stability to the organization.”
Gruden, who is currently suing the NFL, faced backlash after his emails were leaked, which included derogatory comments aimed at NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith, among others. Despite the controversies, Gruden has sought to remain involved in football through his media endeavors, and the Buccaneers appear to be moving forward by reinstating him.
