American football coach and the advisor for Milano Seamen of the European Football League, Jon Gruden, has been married to his wife, Cindy Gruden, for over three decades.
Born on August 17, 1963, Jon Gruden started his career when he was 22.
He served as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Tennessee during the 1985–86 season.
He also served as the first coach of the Oakland Raiders from 1998–2001.
At the age of 39, he became the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl after joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002.
Jon Gruden’s Wife Used to Be A Cheerleader In College
Cindy and Gruden met in 1985 through a mutual friend and started dating due to their mutual interest in sports.
They married on July 6, 1991, six years after dating because Joe promised to marry her only after getting a full-time coaching job.
Born on August 26, 1964, in Pennsylvania, Cynthia Gruden, popularly known as Cindy, was a cheerleader at the University of Tennessee, where Jon worked as a graduate assistant coach.
She pursued Classical Piano and Music Education and a degree in Educational Administration at the University of Tennessee.
“My wife cheered at Tennessee. I love Tennessee. I was a graduate coach there.”
Via Sportskeeda
Through cheerleading, Cindy found her love for sports and briefly worked as the National Cheerleader Association’s head instructor and fitness instructor.
She usually conducts weekly gym sessions for clients as a fitness teacher. In addition, she meditates and practices yoga daily.
Besides her dedication to fitness, Cindy always had a passion for charitable activities and community service projects.
Currently, she is a philanthropist and has worked with several charities, whether it’s through hosting events or participating in fundraisers.
Cindy’s impact goes beyond her husband’s high-profile career as she is committed to giving back to the society.
In addition to her commitment to her family and charitable work, Cindy Gruden has a wide range of interests and pastimes that capture her lively personality.
She loves outdoor sports like biking, hiking and taking part in neighborhood athletic events.
Whenever she gets time, she volunteers at local charitable organizations and educational institutions.
In 2020, she created an online course for the University of Tennessee during the pandemic.
The Couple Have Three Kids Together
Jon and Cindy have three children together- Deuce Gruden, Michael Gruden, and Jayson Gruden.
Their eldest son, Deuce Gruden, also known as Jon II, followed his father’s footsteps and worked in the NFL as a strength coach.
He started as Washington Redskins’ coaching intern and later worked for Oakland Raiders.
Deuce is also a powerlifter who won gold at the 2017 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships in the junior 83kg weight class.
Their second born, Michael, followed his mother’s footsteps and pursued music.
Their youngest son, Jayson, is an aspiring Muay Thai kickboxing fighter.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Joe Gruden’s father, Jim Gruden, also used to be a football coach.
- His annual salary is estimated to be $6.5 Million, and his estimated net worth is $30 million.
- Gruden got the nickname “Chucky” from Raiders defensive lineman Grady Jackson because he believed the coach looked like a fictional character.
- He was an ESPN commentator from 2009 to 2017 but resigned in 2021 after his racist emails were discovered.
