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Raiders legend discusses Al Davis' decision to trade Jon Gruden to Buccaneers

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 22, 2026, 3:33 AM

Last updated Aug 22, 2026

Raiders legend discusses Al Davis' decision to trade Jon Gruden to Buccaneers

Summary

Lincoln Kennedy, a former Raiders player, shared insights into Al Davis' decision to trade Jon Gruden to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. The trade, which included four draft picks and $8 million, was motivated by Gruden's remarks post-'Tuck Rule' game and dissatisfaction during contract negotiations. Gruden later led the Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl XXXVII against the Raiders, intensifying the impact of the trade in Raiders history. Kennedy recounted a conversation where Davis expressed regret but felt compelled to take the offer from Tampa Bay. The details of this trade continue to resonate with fans and analysts.

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Market Watch

•Lincoln Kennedy discusses Al Davis' rationale for trading Jon Gruden.
•The trade occurred in 2002 for four draft picks and $8 million.
•Gruden's remarks after the 'Tuck Rule' game influenced Davis' decision.
•The Buccaneers won Super Bowl XXXVII against the Raiders post-trade.
•Davis expressed regret but felt compelled to accept Tampa Bay's offer.

Latest Updates

3:33 AMYahoo Sports — “I Had To Let Him Go”: Raiders Legend Reveals Why Al Davis Was Forced To Trade Jon Gruden to Buccaneers

What they're saying

"
The Jon Gruden trade still stings for the Las Vegas Raiders fans, but it wasn’t a decision Al Davis made lightly. In 2002, Davis shipped his head coach to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for four draft picks and $8 million, only to watch Gruden lead the Buccaneers past his own Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII.
— Yahoo Sports

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Las Vegas Raiders Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Football