“I think the one thing that will probably take [Raiders players] by surprise is the star-like quality that Gruden has and the relationship that he had with the fan base when he was here ... he’ll be the most popular guy on the sideline. It won’t be Derek Carr. It won’t be Khalil Mack. It’s going to be Jon Gruden.” – Charles Woodson
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. -- At 5:12 p.m. PT Friday night, with some Raiders fans having tailgated for nearly 10 hours, Jon Gruden arrived.
Gruden, 20 years after his rookie season as an NFL head coach, 16 years after he last donned the Silver and Black, threw a raucous party for Raider Nation at Ricky’s Sports Theatre and Grill, the prodigal son not only returning to the streets of Silver and Blackdom but also footing the bill for fans while whipping them into a frenzy.