The Buccaneers have reinstated Jon Gruden to the team’s Ring of Honor, four years after the former head coach was removed over the use of racist, homophobic and misogynistic language in emails.
The 61-year-old coached the Bucs between 2002 and 2008, leading the franchise to victory at Super Bowl XXXVII.
He was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2017.
Back in October 2021, however, the NFL franchise reversed that decision after the offensive emails were released, claiming Gruden’s actions went ‘against our core values as an organization.’
‘The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have advocated for purposeful change in the areas of race relations, gender equality, diversity and inclusion for many years,’ a statement read.
‘While we acknowledge Jon Gruden’s contributions on the field, his actions go against our core values as an organization. Therefore, he will no longer continue to be a member of the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.’
The Buccaneers have reinstated former head coach Jon Gruden to the team’s Ring of Honor
He coached the Bucs between 2002 and 2008, leading them to victory at Super Bowl XXXVII
Now, though, the Bucs have welcomed Gruden back into the exclusive club.
‘Jon Gruden was initially inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor based on his many accomplishments during his seven seasons as head coach and he remains a significant figure in the history of our franchise,’ the team said.
‘Upon further reflection, we have decided to reinstate him into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.’
Gruden revealed on Thursday that he ‘got a chance to get reconnected this (past) season at a game with the Buccaneers.’
The Glazer family, who own the Bucs, reportedly invited Gruden and his wife, Cindy, to the Bucs-49ers game in November. Gruden watched the game from the owners’ suite.
He told the Tampa Bay Times: ‘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.’
