Jon Gruden, who parted ways with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 during the third year of a 10-year contract, is set to return to professional football in a new capacity. According to Ira Kaufman of JoeBucsFan, Gruden is slated to serve as the play-by-play announcer for an NFL preseason game, marking his first involvement in pro football since his exit from coaching.

Gruden's coaching career was interrupted after leaked emails revealed he had used racist, sexist, and homophobic language while working as an ESPN analyst and 'Monday Night Football' broadcaster. Since then, his coaching future has remained uncertain.

Despite rumors, Gruden has denied being offered a role with the New York Jets. He expressed optimism about his career, stating, "Hopefully I’m not done. I’m about to make a comeback," and added, "Hopefully, some of these guys that fell off my branch, if you say it that way, maybe they can hire me 'cause I’m looking for a job."

This upcoming broadcasting role may serve as a stepping stone before Gruden attempts a return to coaching. Photographs from October 10, 2021, show Gruden during his tenure as Raiders head coach at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Sources