Jon Gruden Publicly Gives Tennessee Volunteers a Shoutout While Indulging in a Long-Forgotten Volunteer State Guilty Pleasure

Former NFL head coach and longtime football personality Jon Gruden found himself back in the headlines recently, and this time it had nothing to do with his coaching future or his polarizing place in football circles. Instead, Gruden gave Tennessee fans a reason to smile when he took to social media to celebrate his love for the Tennessee Volunteers while simultaneously indulging in a guilty pleasure that many in the Volunteer State know all too well.

Gruden, who has always had an affinity for the Southeastern Conference and especially the Volunteers, surprised fans on Saturday by sharing a picture of himself decked out in Tennessee orange while enjoying a classic treat that he described as his “long-forbidden guilty pleasure” — none other than the famous MoonPie.

The photo quickly made waves online. In it, Gruden was wearing a bright Tennessee Volunteers hoodie and flashing the iconic “VOLS” hand signal, all while holding up a chocolate MoonPie. His caption read, “Shoutout to the Tennessee Volunteers — always been one of my favorite programs to watch. And yeah… couldn’t resist the MoonPie. Haven’t had one in years, but when in Tennessee…”

It didn’t take long for Tennessee fans to embrace the moment. The combination of Gruden showing public support for the Volunteers, alongside his nod to one of the most iconic snacks produced in the state, instantly resonated with people. For many, this moment represented more than just a fun photo-op. It symbolized the deep-rooted pride and culture that define Tennessee.

Gruden’s connection to the Tennessee Volunteers isn’t exactly new. Over the years, his name has been linked to the Vols on multiple occasions, particularly during coaching searches. The “Grumors,” as they came to be known among fans, would resurface any time Tennessee found itself looking for a new head football coach. While Gruden never took the job, his admiration for the program has always lingered, and Saturday’s shoutout only reinforced that ongoing respect.

The choice to feature a MoonPie alongside his Tennessee fandom carried more significance than some may realize. The MoonPie, with its marshmallow center and graham cracker sandwich, has been a beloved Southern snack for over a century, with its roots firmly planted in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Since its creation in 1917 by the Chattanooga Bakery, the MoonPie has become a staple of Southern culture, county fairs, sporting events, and even Mardi Gras celebrations.

For Gruden, who has spent much of his life in the football world — from his early coaching days to his tenure as the Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and later as a broadcaster — this was a chance to step back, embrace the lighter side of life, and reconnect with a simpler pleasure tied to his affection for the state of Tennessee.

Social media exploded with reactions to Gruden’s post. Tennessee fans flooded his comments with orange and white emojis, praises for his support, and playful reminders that he still has a standing invitation to Knoxville anytime he wants. Some even reignited the familiar speculation that Gruden might one day have a more formal role with the Volunteers, though most understood that this moment was purely about appreciation — not coaching speculation.

“Once a Vol, always a Vol,” one user commented, despite Gruden never officially being on staff at Tennessee. Others shared their own MoonPie memories, photos of Neyland Stadium, and stories about their love for the team and state.

The timing of Gruden’s shoutout also adds intrigue to the conversation. The Tennessee Volunteers football program has experienced a resurgence in recent years, climbing back into national relevance under head coach Josh Heupel. With a high-powered offense and a roster filled with promising talent, the Vols have reignited enthusiasm among their passionate fanbase, making Gruden’s support feel even more timely.

There’s a sense among Tennessee supporters that the program is once again on the rise, and having a high-profile football figure like Jon Gruden publicly acknowledge that — even through something as lighthearted as a MoonPie moment — adds fuel to the fire.

Gruden’s complicated history in football is well-documented. His coaching acumen, Super Bowl championship, and fiery personality made him a household name. Yet controversies off the field, particularly surrounding leaked emails that led to his resignation from the Las Vegas Raiders, have left his public image somewhat divided. But in Tennessee, at least for a moment, the focus wasn’t on the past, but rather on football, state pride, and shared guilty pleasures.

As Gruden continues to keep a relatively low profile following his departure from coaching, this social media post offered a rare glimpse into his more personal side — a side that embraces his love for college football, his connection to Tennessee, and his ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

The MoonPie, often referred to as “the original marshmallow sandwich,” has transcended generations and remains synonymous with Tennessee’s culture. Seeing a football icon like Gruden enjoy one while repping the Vols struck a nostalgic chord for many.

Interestingly, Gruden isn’t the only famous figure to express public admiration for Tennessee in recent months. With celebrities, former players, and national analysts frequently singing the program’s praises, Tennessee continues to attract attention on and off the field.

For now, the “Grumors” can stay buried, and the coaching speculation can remain in the archives. What matters is that Gruden chose to use his platform to shine a light on the Tennessee Volunteers in a positive, lighthearted way, reminding fans and outsiders alike of the unique traditions that make the Volunteer State special.

His post serves as yet another reminder that Tennessee is more than just a college football powerhouse — it’s a culture, a community, and a place where even football legends can feel at home, indulging in their favorite guilty pleasures without judgment.

Whether this brief show of support from Jon Gruden leads to more interactions with Tennessee remains to be seen, but for Volunteer fans, the moment provided a perfect blend of football pride and state tradition, wrapped neatly in chocolate and marshmallow goodness.

In the end, Gruden’s shoutout and MoonPie indulgence became more than just a viral moment; it turned into a celebration of Tennessee pride, football passion, and the undeniable charm of the Volunteer State’s sweetest guilty pleasure.