Aug 14, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders manager Jon Gruden gestures before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

Jon Gruden goes nuts while unboxing FSU football gear

Originally posted on Florida State Seminoles on SI
By Jackson Bakich | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 4:00 PM ET

Former Raiders and Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden received two giant cardboard boxes of Florida State apparel from the football team and the baseball team, and released a video of his reaction on Tuesday.

The Super Bowl-winning coach displayed a massive amount of enthusiasm for the gear he acquired from the teams, including helmets from both squads. Gruden also mentioned a flurry of former FSU greats that he admired and coached during his days in the NFL.

FSU’s Mike Norvell and Link Jarrett send a special package to Jon Gruden. pic.twitter.com/M8wEh7FIgQ
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) April 29, 2025

Gruden began by providing his appreciation for Seminole legend Bobby Bowden and the influence he gave Gruden during their coaching days.

"Some of my favorite players I've ever coached come from Florida State, and one of the best people, the greatest coaches of all time ... Bobby freaking Bowden is the man!" said Gruden. "Every time Bobby Bowden said, 'Hey, Brad Johnson is a great quarterback,' I listened to him, and we won a Super Bowl. Derrick Brooks is a great linebacker. Damn right he is. LeRoy Butler, Green Bay Packers, when I was there, Hall of Famer. Terrell Buckely, Warrick Dunn, I mean, these guys I got to coach all because of Bobby Bowden."

Gruden also mentioned great Florida State names such as Deion Sanders, Xavier Rhodes, Derwin James, Jalen Ramsey, Snoop Minnis, Jameis Winston, Chris Weinke, Fred Biletnikoff, Burt Reynolds, Andre Wadsworth, Corey Simon, Timmy Jernigan, Anquan Boldin, Dalvin Cook, Sammie Smith, Brian Burns, Charlie Ward, and others.

In the video, Gruden is also seen doing the War Chant motion and gets somewhat close to getting the timing down with the rhythm of the song.