Jon Gruden, former head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, recently shared a candid recount of his time coaching some of the NFL’s most intriguing and colorful personalities, including Antonio Brown, Richie Incognito, and Will Compton. Gruden offered a behind-the-scenes look at his approach to managing these players and what it was like to recruit Compton back to the team, while also touching on the unique dynamics that shaped the Raiders’ locker room.

The Recruitment of Will Compton: A Unique Story

Will Compton’s recruitment to return to the Raiders wasn’t your typical contract negotiation. After the Raiders’ 2018 season, Compton had a strong finish to his career in Oakland, playing in the final few games. Although the team had an underwhelming season, Compton’s leadership and defensive contributions caught the attention of head coach Jon Gruden.

In a memorable exit meeting, Gruden didn’t just talk about stats or accolades, but instead focused on the intangible qualities Compton brought to the team. “I need you back,” Gruden said, admitting that Compton might never be a Hall of Famer or a Pro Bowler, but that the team needed more players like him. For Compton, this was a defining moment. Despite contemplating the end of his career after a previous injury with the Saints, Compton was motivated by Gruden’s belief in his value, both as a player and a leader.

The Raiders were looking to build a team with strong character, and Gruden valued Compton’s communication and leadership abilities. However, Compton also had his sights set on getting a fair contract. The Raiders had just signed high-profile linebackers like Littleton and Kwiatkowski, but Compton was hoping for more guaranteed money than the minimum offer on the table. Gruden and the Raiders had plans for him, wanting him to not just play but to lead the defense and set an example with his sharp football IQ.

Eventually, after some negotiation, Compton returned to the team, proving that Gruden’s faith in him wasn’t misplaced. His presence would become crucial in strengthening the Raiders’ defense and bolstering team morale.

Richie Incognito: The Complex Character

Gruden also reflected on his time coaching Richie Incognito, a player with a complicated past but undeniable talent. Incognito had a reputation that preceded him, but once he was in the Raiders locker room, Gruden found him to be a valuable asset. Incognito, despite his controversial history, was a fierce competitor who had a knack for getting under his opponents’ skin. On the field, he was a versatile and skilled offensive lineman, known for his ability to pull on power plays and execute screens with precision.

Off the field, Incognito was a unique character in the locker room. Gruden shared that Incognito often lightened the mood with his larger-than-life personality. One memorable moment was during a Zoom meeting when Incognito stripped down to his underwear, providing a moment of laughter for everyone. While his antics may have seemed outlandish, they reflected the kind of player that Gruden believed added a necessary edge to the team. Incognito was more than just a tough guy—he was smart, athletic, and brought a sense of humor that helped bond the team together during tough times.

Antonio Brown: A Talent Gone to Waste

Antonio Brown’s brief time with the Raiders was filled with drama, and Gruden candidly admitted that he was unable to get Brown to play for the team despite his immense talent. Brown, who arrived with much fanfare, was dealing with several personal and professional issues, including disputes over his helmet and cryotherapy-related injuries. Gruden recalls that Brown’s raw talent on the field was undeniable, especially during mini-camp, where Brown ran routes better than anyone he had seen and displayed exceptional conditioning.

However, the off-field issues ultimately derailed his time with the Raiders. Gruden lamented that despite all the potential, the drama surrounding Brown meant that the team would never get to see him in action. For Gruden, one of the most frustrating aspects of coaching that season was not being able to harness the full potential of a player as talented as Brown.

A Locker Room Full of Characters

Despite the challenges with players like Brown, Gruden emphasized the importance of having strong personalities in the locker room. The mix of players with complex pasts, like Incognito and Vontaze Burfict, alongside the established veterans like Derek Carr, created a dynamic atmosphere. Gruden always believed that if you had a core of solid football characters, you could manage the “characters” that came along with them.

Gruden also emphasized that leadership in the locker room was paramount to the team’s success. While the Raiders had a mix of personalities—some controversial, others just colorful—they all shared a passion for the game and a commitment to giving their best on the field. Gruden believed that as long as you had strong football characters leading the way, players like Incognito and Burfict could add valuable toughness to the team.

Conclusion: A Memorable Era in Oakland and Las Vegas

Jon Gruden’s time with the Raiders was marked by his efforts to bring in talent with personality—players who could bring more than just their physical skills to the table. While the drama surrounding Brown was a disappointing chapter, the addition of players like Incognito and Compton created a unique locker room dynamic that contributed to the team’s culture. Gruden’s focus on leadership, communication, and the recognition of each player’s value—whether on the field or in the locker room—was what ultimately defined his coaching approach during his tenure with the Raiders. The journey was anything but typical, but it was a memorable one for the coach, players, and fans alike.