It looks like a Buckanese and John Gruden bygone.
The team announced Thursday that it will return his name to the team's Ring of Honor four years later, following the release of an email indicating that Gruden used racist, homophobic and misogynistic languages.
Gruden, 61, was on vacation this week at the Great Smoky Mountains. According to the Tampa Bay Times.
“I had the opportunity to reconnect this. [past] It's a season with the Buccaneers,” Gruden told the outlet. “Some of the best memories of my life were at the Bucks and Raymond James Stadium. It's a great feeling and a great honor.”
The Glazer family, which owns Buccaneers, changed their minds about their 2021 decision after running to each other at the memorial of former defensive coordinator Montekifin, the father of coach Ole Miss Lanekifin, in July.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the speech by Lane was about the abilities of his father, who was stuck with members of the Glazer Family, invited Gruden and his wife to the game in November.
“John Gruden initially was led by Bucs Ring of Honor, based on many accomplishments over our seven seasons as head coach, and remains a key figure in the history of the franchise,” the team's statement read the team's statement on Thursday. “To further reflect, we decided to revive him in the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.”
Gruden helped Tampa lead the Bucks to Super Bowl glory at Super Bowl 2003 when they defeated the Raiders.
He was Tampa Bay head coach from 2002 to 2008.
It was in 2021 that the old emails were revealed and led him to step down from his post as the Raiders head coach.
Gruden has not coached the NFL since the scandal, but has remained involved in football games.
He served as an advisor to the Saints in 2023 and currently has a media career working with Barstool Sports.
Gruden has repeatedly maintained his hopes for another shot in coaching, and told CBS Sports in September.
“If anyone is looking for a coach to coach, I'm in the bullpen so see what happens,” Gruden said. “But we have a great YouTube channel that is very excited about. I'm focusing on everything right now.”
