Jon Gruden to Call Buccaneers Preseason Game in One‑Game Broadcast Return

A one‑game, locally produced broadcast serves as a public audition despite Gruden's 2021 resignation and ongoing lawsuit limiting NFL roles.

Overview

Gruden will serve as the play‑by‑play voice for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday, Aug. 22, in a WFLA local telecast.
The broadcast pairs him with former Buccaneers star Ronde Barber and is scheduled to air at 7:30 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium.
Gruden attended Buccaneers training camp this week and told reporters he was “fired up” about the chance to return to the booth.
This will be Gruden’s first time calling an NFL game since he left Monday Night Football after the 2017 season.
The assignment is publicly framed as a one‑off trial that uses team and local production flexibility to let Gruden demonstrate readiness while his 2021 resignation and ongoing lawsuit with the NFL continue to constrain wider league opportunities.