Jon Gruden Endorses Former Teammate at Trump Rally in Ohio
The former NFL coach likened the political event to a locker room, urging attendees to support Jon Husted.
Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden appeared at a Donald Trump rally in Ohio on Saturday, endorsing his former University of Dayton teammate Jon Husted, who is running for re-election. Gruden, who has roots in Ohio, addressed the crowd with a speech that echoed his energetic coaching style.
"I'm damn proud of it, man!" Gruden exclaimed, referencing his Ohio upbringing and alma mater. He spoke alongside Ohio Senator Jon Husted and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.
Gruden, who played on the 1985 University of Dayton football team with Husted, emphasized his friend's work ethic and commitment. "He will never quit, ever on you or anybody," Gruden told the rally attendees. He urged the crowd to support Husted, stating, "Before you know it, this election is over. But what we got to do is we got to do our part. Early voting starts Tuesday. Can we be there or not? Let's be there!"
Husted, a former college athlete himself, has held various political offices in Ohio, including state representative, House speaker, state senator, secretary of state, and lieutenant governor, before becoming a U.S. senator in January 2025. He was an All-American cornerback and kick returner at Dayton and a starter on the team that won the 1989 NCAA Division III national championship.
During the rally, a protester was escorted out while the crowd chanted "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye." Trump commented on the scene, telling the crowd, "There's more spirit here than they did today in Ohio State."
Gruden, formerly a head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Las Vegas Raiders, resigned from the Raiders in 2021. He coached the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title and spent 53 games with the Raiders.