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Jon Gruden opens care package from Virginia high school team

IMG_8358by: Andy Villamarzo07/06/25Andy_Villamarzo
jongruden
Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden looks on during a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

It’s become trendy for college and NFL teams to send former professional head coach Jon Gruden care packages. Now, high schools and academies are joining the action.

On Sunday morning, Gruden posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he received a care package from Virginia’s Fork Union Military Academy and coach Dealton Cotton. The package included t-shirts, baseball caps, a hoody and a golf shirt.

‘There’s a military academy in the middle of Virginia that has one of the most impressive alumni bases I’ve ever seen! This is Fork Union Military Academy and they sent us a box full of lots of goodies! Thank you to Coach Cotton and @forkunion good luck this season!’

“Some of my favorite players I’ve ever met have gone here,” Jon Gruden said. “Try Vinny Testaverde, my neighbor, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback. He went to FUMA. It’s got 117 NFL players that were drafted or signed, coming out of this high school.”

About the Fork Union Devils

The Blue Devils are coming a tough 2024 season, finishing just 1-7. A leadership transition followed in February when the school announced the hiring of Cotton as the program’s new head football coach.

“I am honored and excited to be selected as the next varsity football coach at Fork Union Military Academy,” Cotton said in a press release. “This is a special place with a rich tradition, and I look forward to building on that foundation by developing not just great athletes, but young men of character, discipline, and integrity. I’m proud to continue working with these cadets and helping them reach their full potential.” 

Cotton served as Fork Union’s defensive coordinator over the last two seasons. Before joining the Blue Devils, he led the East Wake (N.C.) football program in Raleigh. Cotton’s coaching stops also include stints at Maury (Va.), Norview (Va.) and Old Dominion. He was inducted into the Granby High School Hall of Fame in 2023.

Cotton takes over a Fork Union program that has hit hard times. The Blue Devils haven’t had a winning season since 2012, and have won just four of their last 35 games.

Fork Union’s interaction with Jon Gruden is the latest he has had with high school programs. Recently Gruden spent time on the practice field with the Jefferson County (Tenn.) Patriots.