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Jon Gruden’s Emotional Grambling Unboxing Goes Viral

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated May 23, 2025 2:43 PM ET

Jon Gruden knows how to command a room, even when it’s just a camera and a box.

The former Super Bowl-winning coach turned media personality recently lit up social media with an emotional unboxing of a curated gift package from Grambling State University — and HBCU fans are loving it. Dressed in a vintage Doug Williams Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey, Gruden’s nod to Grambling’s iconic quarterback set the tone before he even lifted the lid.

“We’ve got a very special box,” Gruden began, as he carefully revealed a treasure trove of Grambling gear: a long-sleeve shirt stamped with the classic Tiger mascot, a clean short-sleeve tee featuring the school’s academic crest, Adidas shorts, a hoodie, a 3/4 zip jacket, two visors, and sleek black-and-gold slides.

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But it wasn’t just the swag that made this special — it was the stories.

Gruden held up a letter from Grambling’s athletic department, reading it aloud with visible emotion. Then came the memories — and the reverence.

He saluted Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, and a proud GSU alum. He spoke with admiration of coaching Hall of Famer Willie Brown during their days with the Raiders, and smiled recalling golf outings with James “Shack” Harris, another G-Men legend. Gruden also paid tribute to Charlie Joiner and the legendary Coach Eddie Robinson, who won 408 games over 57 seasons — still the second-most wins in NCAA football history.

“Some of my best memories come at Grambling,” Gruden added, closing the video. “The tree of knowledge, that’s where I’m headed right now.”

The video, shared by Barstool Sports — who brought Gruden on board in November 2024 — has already racked up thousands of shares among college football and HBCU fans. Gruden’s unboxing series has become a cult hit, blending locker-room energy with heartfelt appreciation for the game’s past.

For Grambling State, it’s a reminder that their legacy stretches far beyond Louisiana. It still echoes in the voices of those who know football — and respect where greatness begins.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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