Buccaneers reinstating Jon Gruden to Tampa Bay Ring of Honor after 2021 removal

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have some special memories with Jon Gruden as their head coach, as he guided them to a Super Bowl title in 2003 over the Raiders. And years ago, when controversy surrounded the head coach, the Bucs decided to remove him from the Ring of Honor in 2021. But on Thursday evening, the franchise decided to reinstate him back into the Ring of Honor, “upon further reflection,” according to the statement from the Tampa Bay Twitter page.

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— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 27, 2025

“Jon Gruden was initially inducted into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor based on his many accomplishments during seven seasons as our head coach and he remains a significant figure in the history of our franchise. Upon further reflection, we have decided to reinstate him into the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.–Tampa Bay Buccaneers”

Gruden acted as the team’s head coach from 2002-2008, propelling them to a 12-4 record in his first year, including a NFC South title on his way to bringing home the Super Bowl victory in 2003. During his seven years in Tampa Bay, he racked up 57 wins, the most in franchise history, while the team made it to the playoffs three times (2002, 2005, 2007). In 2007, he guided the Bucs to their third NFC crown in six years, becoming the only coach in franchise history with three division titles.

More on why Gruden was embroiled in controversy

On October 12, 2021, the NFL world learned the surprising news that Gruden was submitting his resignation. The resignation came after uncovered emails showed the Raiders head coach used racist, misogynistic and homophobic language. Gruden issued a statement along with his resignation.

“I have resigned as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders,” Gruden stated. “I love the Raiders and do not want to be a distraction. Thank you to all the players, coaches, staff, and fans of Raider Nation. I’m sorry, I never meant to hurt anyone.”

Gruden’s resignation came after uncovered emails showed the Raiders head coach used racist, misogynistic and homophobic language.

The New York Times detailed in a report that Jon Gruden made more offensive comments than those initially revealed in his emails, including the use of homophobic slurs. Gruden was the subject of criticism since an email he sent in 2011 was revealed in which he used a racially charged remark when discussing DeMaurice Smith of the NFLPA.

“Dumboriss Smith has lips the size of Michelin tires,” Gruden wrote in the email that launched an investigation, per Andrew Beaton of The Wall Street Journal.

There was plenty of uncertainty swirling around who leaked the e-mails to The Wall Street Journal, but ESPN reported that it was Dan Snyder. The whole situation led to Snyder eventually being forced out of the National Football League, and Gruden currently works with Barstool Sports.

Sean Labar and Austin Brezina and Suzanne Haliburton also contributed to this article.