Jon David Gruden, an American football coach best known as the former head coach of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, credits his parents for supporting his pursuit of a career in sports.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor, Jon Gruden was born on August 17, 1963, in Sandusky, Ohio, as the middle son to parents Jim and Kathy Gruden.
Moreover, his parents, Jim and Kathy Gruden, raised all three sons, Jon, Jay, and James, to succeed in their respective fields.
While the eldest of Gruden’s brothers, Jim Jr., aka Dr. James, pursued his career in medicine, serving as a radiologist at UNC School of Medicine, Jon and his younger brother Jay decided to pursue their careers in sports.
Like Jon, his younger brother Jay Michael Gruden is an American football coach and former quarterback who previously served as the head coach of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals.
Furthermore, the Gruden brothers, Jon and Jay, inherited their athletic genes from their father, Jim Gruden, a former professional football regional scout, quarterbacks coach, and director of player personnel for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Beginning his football career while attending Orange High School, Jon’s father, Jim, showcased his exceptional football and golfing skills playing at Heidelberg, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
He continued his football career at Indiana University and later began coaching as the assistant coach at Fremont Ross High School.
Moreover, Jim Gruden served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ running backs coach for years, leading the team to several victories.
Jim also served as the assistant collegiate coach at his alma mater, Heidelberg. During his tenure of over two decades, Jim coached several renowned universities, including the University of Dayton and Notre Dame University in Indiana.
Although Jim Gruden retired from his coaching career, his sons Jon and Jay Gruden continue to protect their father’s legacy in football.
Jon Gruden Also Credits His Late Mother, Kathy, For Shaping His Career!
Although Jon Gruden’s mother, Kathy, didn’t play sports, her dedication and support helped him excel in his sports journey.
Like his father, Jon Gruden often expresses his love and respect for his late mother, Kathy, and credits her as his constant source of support.
Moreover, in a 2021 interview, Jon Gruden revealed how his mother, Kathy, was always there for him and his brothers no matter how difficult the situation was.
“She was relentless in her devotion to us, she was our everything,” said Jon Gruden.
Jon Gruden also stated that although his mother didn’t play football, she refereed football games in their backyard while he and his brothers were kids and officiated Nerf basketball games in the living room.
She always supported Jon and his brother Jay and never missed a game.
Furthermore, Jon revealed that his late mother, Kathy, suffered from Kidney cancer when he was serving as an assistant coach at Southeast Missouri State, but she kept the cancer to herself so that it wouldn’t distract him.
Kathy was not just an amazing mother to her sons, but also a great teacher who served for over 25 years, touching the lives of many.
A Sandusky, Ohio native, the late Kathy attended Sandusky High School and later graduated from Heidelberg College, where she met Jon’s father.
Kathy Gruden passed away on May 12, 2023, in Lutz, a day before her 85th birthday.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jon Gruden graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in communications in 1986.
- He was a three-year letterman and backup quarterback for the University of Dayton’s football team, the Flyers.
- Jon began his coaching career as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee during the 1985-86 season.
- In March 2024, Jon joined the Milano Seamen of the European League of Football as an advisor.
- He has three sons with his longtime wife, Cindy.
