Jon Gruden may not currently be coaching, but that doesn't mean he isn't still actively keeping up with the NFL.
The legendary coach, who is now working with Barstool Sports, was tuned into Monday Night Football as the Miami Dolphins played host to the New York Jets. Both teams were winless coming into the game, and the Dolphins escaped with a 27-21 win to get their first victory of the season.
A big part of the Dolphins' victory was veteran tight end Darren Waller. Waller made his debut for the Dolphins tonight and ended up catching three passes for 27 yards and two touchdowns.
Back when Gruden was the head coach of the then-Oakland Raiders, he signed Waller off the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad. At that time, Waller was just an intriguing tight end prospect who was coming off a year-long suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
With the Raiders, Waller exploded and became one of the best tight ends in the league. Waller caught 90 passes for 1,145 yards and three touchdowns in 2019, and then caught 107 passes for 1,196 yards and nine touchdowns while earning a Pro Bowl bid in 2020.
Waller's career took a downturn after the 2020 season, though, and was traded to the New York Giants in 2023. After one season in New York, Waller retired and thus missed the entire 2024 season.
Earlier this offseason, though, the Dolphins traded for Waller's rights and the tight end came out of retirement. It took a while for Waller to get up to speed, but he proved tonight that he can still contribute, and Gruden was ecstatic to see it.
"DARREN FREAKIN' WALLER," said Gruden on X after his first touchdown. "LOVE YOU, BROTHER."
Waller would then score another touchdown in the third quarter, and his former coach took to X again to celebrate.
"DARREN WALLER AGAIN," said Gruden. "Truly warms my heart seeing this!"
After being inactive for the first three games of the season, there was some doubt about whether Waller would ever suit up again. However, not only did the tight end suit up, he actively contributed to the Dolphins getting their first win.
The Dolphins had gotten almost no production out of their tight ends this season, so if Waller can be relied upon, this offense may actually have a chance to impress.
Although, star wide receiver Tyreek Hill went down with a serious injury in the game, which could definitely hurt the team's production.