Victory Lap for Gruden: Former Coach Joins Chiefs Training Camp in Bold Red Attire
The Kansas City Chiefs won’t face the Las Vegas Raiders until late October, but this weekend saw a unique crossover of AFC West rivalries and nostalgic coaching connections. Jon Gruden, former Raiders head coach known for his heated matchups with Kansas City, was spotted at the Chiefs’ training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, donning Chiefs gear. The appearance was captured by PJ Green of FOX 4 and marked an unexpected reunion in the football world.
Gruden’s choice of attire was a nod to his long-standing friendship with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. The two first crossed paths in the 1990s while working under Mike Holmgren with the Green Bay Packers. Reid fondly recalled their early days during a 2018 Chiefs-Raiders matchup, highlighting how their shared experiences as young coaches forged a lasting bond.
“Jon and I spent a lot of time together, along with Steve Mariucci, we were the youngest guys on the staff,” Reid said. “We all kind of bonded and did our thing.”
Gruden’s second stint with the Raiders was marked by a 22-31 record, including a controversial victory over the Chiefs in 2018. After a 40-32 win, Gruden’s team took a victory lap around the stadium—a move that didn’t sit well with Reid.
The subsequent years were less favorable for Gruden. Following his resignation from the Raiders amid scandalous revelations and a lawsuit against the NFL, Gruden has remained a contentious figure in the football community. Despite this, he continues to reconnect with old friends, like Reid, on the Missouri Western State University campus.
As Gruden navigates his legal battles, his surprising appearance at the Chiefs’ camp serves as a reminder of his complex legacy in the NFL.
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