Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden lent his support to Republican Senate candidate Jon Husted during an unexpected appearance at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Vandalia, Ohio. The 63-year-old, a Sandusky native and University of Dayton alumnus, took the stage to endorse his former college football teammate.
“Thank you all for growing up. Thank you for being here—I love you,” Gruden said, praising Husted’s work ethic and “native Dayton mental toughness.” “He intercepted 17 passes in the gridiron because of his dedication. Jon Husted will never quit on you. Let’s hear it for Husted!”
After crowd applause, Gruden urged attendees to vote early, emphasizing civic duty: “This election is over yes? But we gotta do our part. Early voting starts Tuesday. Can we be there or not?” He encouraged rallygoers to bring friends to the polls.
Gruden and Trump have previously been photographed playing golf together, with Trump calling Gruden “a really nice guy.” While Gruden is primarily known for his coaching and broadcasting careers—including roles with the Raiders, Buccaneers, and Monday Night Football—his political involvement remains limited. Husted’s sports background includes a standout college career at the University of Dayton.
Gruden’s first coaching stint with the Raiders (1998–2001) ended when he was traded to Tampa Bay. His Buccaneers lost Super Bowl 37 to the Raiders in 2002. After a contract extension in 2008, Tampa Bay underperformed dramatically despite a strong start. Gruden returned to coaching with the Raiders in 2018, posting a 22-31 record before resigning following a leaked email scandal involving discriminatory language and criticism of women in the NFL.
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