Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden is known for his energy on the football field. At a recent rally for President Donald Trump in Ohio, Gruden showed support from the sidelines.

Gruden stood with Ohio Senator Jon Husted, who is running for re-election, and gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The event, in Vandalia, Ohio, saw Trump address a charged crowd holding “Trump Country” flags, with lively moments like a protester being escorted out to chants from the crowd.

Trump remarked to the crowd, “Jon Gruden is standing here, saying, ‘I don’t believe this. This is rougher than a football game.'” Trump’s comment drew a comparison between the spirit of the rally and that of an Ohio State game.

Gruden, former coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a Super Bowl victory and later the Raiders, took the stage introduced by Husted. Gruden expressed gratitude, stating his Ohio roots, “I was born in Sandusky and went to the University of Dayton,” he said. “I’m damn proud of it, man!”

Gruden endorsed his friend Husted, praising his former teammate’s sportsmanship and mental toughness. “Jon Husted is a lot more than my friend,” Gruden noted, highlighting Husted’s 17 interceptions during his time as a player.

Jon Husted has a decorated political career, having served as an Ohio state representative, House speaker, senator, secretary of state, lieutenant governor, and since January 2025, a U.S. senator. His athletic achievements include being an All-American cornerback on Dayton’s 1989 NCAA Division III national championship team.

Closing his speech, Gruden emphasized the importance of early voting for Husted’s campaign. “Let’s get Husted back in action,” he urged the crowd, encouraging them to mobilize support for Husted’s re-election.