Jon Gruden returns to broadcast booth for Bucs preseason game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 8:05 AM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
Jon Gruden made a much-anticipated return to the broadcast booth on August 22, 2026, calling the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This was Gruden's first major assignment since leaving ESPN’s Monday Night Football in 2017. His presence in the booth evoked nostalgia among fans, many of whom expressed excitement about his commentary on social media. Gruden, who led the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl championship during the 2002-03 NFL season, brought along former player Ronde Barber to enhance the viewer experience. The usual play-by-play announcer, Chris Myers, was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, but he is expected to return for Tampa Bay's upcoming road game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- •Jon Gruden called the Bucs-Chiefs preseason game on August 22, 2026.
- •This marked Gruden's first broadcast since leaving ESPN in 2017.
- •Fans expressed excitement and nostalgia for Gruden's commentary on social media.
- •Ronde Barber joined Gruden in the booth for the broadcast.
- •Chris Myers is expected to return for the Bucs’ next preseason game.
- 8:05 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Just Feels Right,’ ‘Best in the Game’ — NFL Fans React to Super Bowl Champion Jon Gruden Calling Bucs’ Preseason Game
"Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden made his return to the broadcast booth on Saturday night. The Buccaneers hosted the Kansas City Chiefs in a preseason matchup, with Gruden joining the booth for the home team’s WFLA-TV broadcast.
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