Jon Gruden, the former head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders and a Super Bowl champion, made an unexpected appearance to support Republican Senate candidate Jon Husted at a campaign rally for President Donald Trump in Vandalia, Ohio.
At 63, Gruden, originally from Sandusky, Ohio, and an alumnus of the University of Dayton, stepped on stage to endorse his former college football teammate.
“I want to thank everybody for growing up. Thank you all for being here. I love you guys,” Gruden expressed. “Jon Husted is so much more than just a friend. He was an incredible player, with 17 interceptions on the field.”
He continued, explaining why Husted excelled in football: “It’s his work ethic, his commitment, and that mental toughness he has from Dayton. He will never give up on you or anyone. Let’s cheer for Husted.”
The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause, prompting Gruden to share one final thought.
“Before we know it, this election will be over, right? It’s almost done,” Gruden said. “But we need to do our part. Early voting kicks off Tuesday. Are we going to be there?”
He encouraged the audience to rally their friends and head to the polls: “Husted is back in action. Let’s go! Thank you!”
Gruden has previously shown his support for President Trump, notably during a golf outing they shared in 2025, where Trump referred to him as “a really nice guy.”
Though Gruden isn’t typically known for his political involvement, he’s recognized for his tenure as head coach of the Raiders.
His first period with the team lasted from 1998 to 2001 before he was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the 2002 Super Bowl, Gruden’s Buccaneers faced off against the Raiders, winning decisively with a score of 48-21.
In 2008, he signed an extension with the Buccaneers that was meant to last until 2011, after starting that season 9-3. However, Tampa Bay floundered later that season, concluding with a loss to the Raiders.
Gruden transitioned to a broadcasting role, becoming a color commentator for Monday Night Football.
In 2018, he returned to coaching with the Raiders. His second stint ended with a 22-31 record, and he resigned amid a controversy over leaked emails that included racist language, derogatory comments about an openly gay NFL player, and criticism of the increasing presence of women as officials in the league.
