‘I love Michigan State!’ Jon Gruden Receives Huge Michigan State Package

Jon Gruden is many things. He's a former sports analyst of many years, the former head coach of the Raiders (1999-2001, 2018-2021), a Super Bowl Champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-2008), a member of Barstool Sports where he hosts multiple shows, and recently announced his return to professional football as a part-owner/advisor to the arena football team Nashville Kats. Quite an impressive slate.

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But what thing that many people don't know about Jon Gruden is that he is a massive Michigan State sports fan. Not just a professional appreciator of the program, but a bona fide fan boy.

Kirk Cousins Sends A Gift

Michigan State Football legend and NFL QB Kirk Cousins (and a Holland, MI local) must have caught wind of Gruden's admiration for the Spartans because in a video posted to Jon Gruden's Facebook page, Coach Gruden walks into his room holding a massive box with Sparty stickers and tape all over it. One of the first words that left his mouth upon entering the room was:

I freaking love Michigan State.

More Than Your Average Fan

It becomes immediately apparent that Coach Gruden knows his stuff. I mean, I've been an MSU fan since I was little, thanks to a father who bleeds green and white. But Jon began spouting names of players and coaches from years past that I've never heard of. Not just player names, but their positions on both the football and basketball teams. He shared how Jud Heathcote, the long-time coach before Tom Izzo, influenced his coaching style.

READ MORE: MSU Spartan Stadium Scoreboard Helmets Up for Auction |

Coach Gruden was like a little kid in a candy shop opening this box up, getting a football helmet and a basketball jersey with his name on the back, as well as some sweet shoes and a variety of other apparel. It was very enjoyable watching the usually stoic coach be so visibly excited about the package from the Sports Equipment Managers.

Gruden has a history of receiving gift packages like this and unboxing them, but it's clear his personal connection to the university made him extra elated to get this package. As a Sparty fan, it made me happy, too. You can view the full video below.