Jon Gruden Reinstated in Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor

TAMPA, Fla. — Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden will be reinstated into the team’s Ring of Honor, the franchise announced Thursday. This decision follows Gruden’s removal in 2021 when racist, homophobic, and misogynistic emails were made public.

The Buccaneers released a statement emphasizing Gruden’s significant contributions during his seven seasons with the team, stating, “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. Upon further reflection, we have decided to reinstate him into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.”

Gruden, who led the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl victory in 2003, served as head coach from 2002 to 2008, compiling a regular-season record of 57-55. His coaching tenure included three playoff appearances.

Gruden was initially removed from the honor after resigning as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, following the release of emails that contained offensive language. Players and team officials have expressed divided opinions about his reinstatement.

<p"While we acknowledge Jon Gruden's contributions on the field, his actions go against our core values as an organization," a statement from the team read at the time of his removal.

Since stepping away from the Raiders, Gruden has maintained a presence in football, working as a consultant for the New Orleans Saints and engaging with fans through his YouTube channel and a partnership with Barstool Sports.

In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Gruden shared his sentiments about the honor’s restoration. “Some of my best memories in life were at Raymond James Stadium with the Bucs, and it’s a great feeling and a great honor,” he stated.

His reinstatement seems to have strong ties to a recent reconciliation with the Glazer family, the team’s owners, which occurred at a memorial service for former Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin last July. At the event, the importance of forgiveness and second chances was highlighted. The Glazers invited Gruden and his wife, Cindy, to attend a Buccaneers game later that year.

“I’m happy for Coach Gru,” said Ronde Barber, a Hall of Famer who played under Gruden. “He has the love of the people, and we should all be excited about this decision to welcome him back to his place in the Ring of Honor.”

Gruden, now 61, has expressed a desire to return to coaching. He recently acknowledged the Buccaneers’ successful offense, expressing admiration for players and the coaching staff. “I wish I could be the offensive coordinator of a team like that,” he noted. “What a great player. I didn’t realize how powerful he is. I love the offensive line that they’ve got, and I’ve got a lot of respect for the job they’ve done.”

Work crews will soon begin restoring Gruden’s name to the Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium. No formal ceremony is planned for the reinstatement.

Gruden concluded his statement on the honor with appreciation, saying, “All I can say is that it’s a great honor, and I’m very appreciative.”