Former Raiders Coach Jon Gruden Set to Call NFL Preseason Game in First Pro Football Return Since 2021
Gruden has reportedly landed a play-by-play broadcasting role while continuing his legal battle against the National Football League.
Jon Gruden is stepping back into the professional football spotlight, securing a play-by-play broadcasting role for an upcoming NFL preseason game. According to a Fox News sports report, this assignment marks Gruden's first return to pro football since he parted ways with the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2021 season. The move is highly notable because of his multi-year absence from the league and because he is currently engaged in an active, ongoing lawsuit against the NFL.
What Happened
Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden has reportedly secured a new job in sports media. As detailed by Fox News, Gruden is slated to handle play-by-play commentary for an NFL preseason matchup. This media role serves as his official re-entry into professional football circles following his departure from his coaching position with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.
Since leaving the Raiders, Gruden has remained largely on the sidelines of the professional football landscape. This upcoming broadcast opportunity represents his first direct involvement with an NFL-adjacent product since his departure. The announcement of his new gig comes at a delicate time, as Gruden remains locked in a high-profile legal dispute against the NFL and its leadership.
Fact Box
- New Media Role: Jon Gruden is slated to serve as a play-by-play commentator for an NFL preseason game.
- First Return Since 2021: This assignment marks Gruden's first official return to professional football since leaving the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Active Legal Action: Gruden is currently pursuing an active lawsuit against the National Football League.
Opposing Context
While Gruden's return to the broadcast booth represents a significant career development, it unfolds against a backdrop of legal friction. The National Football League has historically defended its actions regarding the circumstances of Gruden's 2021 departure. Although specific defense arguments regarding this new broadcasting gig are not detailed in the initial Fox News report, the NFL has consistently sought to dismiss Gruden's legal claims in court. The league has previously maintained that its administrative and disciplinary processes are valid, contrasting with Gruden's claims of targeted harm.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it bridges a three-year gap during which Gruden was completely separated from NFL activities. As a former Super Bowl-winning coach and a highly recognizable television personality, Gruden's presence on a broadcast will inevitably draw intense scrutiny from fans, media analysts, and league officials.
Furthermore, the assignment creates a unique dynamic where an individual actively suing the NFL is simultaneously hired to cover one of its sanctioned preseason games. The legal battle between Gruden and the league has been a lingering storyline, and his return to the microphone ensures that his ongoing dispute with the NFL's executive offices will remain a focal point of discussion as the preseason begins.
What Happens Next
Gruden is expected to prepare for and call the designated preseason broadcast. However, the exact timeline for his return to the airwaves remains dependent on the preseason schedule. Observers will be watching closely to see how the public, corporate sponsors, and the NFL itself react to his commentary. Additionally, Gruden's legal counsel is expected to continue pursuing his lawsuit against the league, meaning his broadcasting work and his courtroom battles will likely run parallel to one another in the coming months.
What We Still Don't Know
Because the initial Fox News report contains limited details, several major pieces of information remain unknown to the public:
- The Broadcast Partner: It is currently unknown which television network, local station, or streaming platform has hired Gruden to call the preseason game.
- The Matchup: The specific NFL teams participating in the preseason game that Gruden will call have not been disclosed.
- The Date and Location: The exact date, kickoff time, and stadium location for this preseason broadcast remain unconfirmed.
- Direct Statements: There are no direct quotes available from Jon Gruden, his representatives, or the NFL regarding this new appointment, as no official statements were included in the primary reporting.
- Lawsuit Status: The current procedural status and specific upcoming court dates for Gruden's lawsuit against the NFL are not detailed.
- The Nature of the Contract: It is unclear whether this play-by-play gig is a one-time trial assignment or part of a larger, long-term broadcasting contract.
Source Note
This article is based entirely on reporting from Fox News, which published the initial report regarding Jon Gruden's new preseason play-by-play assignment.