Jon Gruden compares Buccaneers rookie Rueben Bain to Steelers legend James Harrison

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden met with reporters after it was announced he’d join Rondé Barber in the broadcast booth for the team’s Week 2 preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Gruden spoke all things Bucs, touching on his expectations for Baker Mayfield, Zac Robinson’s new offense, the team’s exciting young wide receiver room, and Mike Evans’ departure.

But no topic got “Chucky” more fired up than rookie edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden compares Rueben Bain to James Harrison 

Gruden was so excited to hear Bain’s name get brought up during the press conference that he couldn’t even let Bucs Gameday's Logan Robinson finish the question before raving about the rookie. 

“Hell yeah, I can’t even let you finish your sentence… I was shocked he got drafted where he did. You know, people are all interested and hung up with arm length and stupidity, to be honest with you. If you like James Harrison, you’ll like this guy… He will stand out, how hard he plays in the fourth quarter. He doesn’t wear down. He’s relentless, and that’s what the Buccaneers I think saw the most," Gruden said.

The comparison to Harrison is nothing to sneeze at. Harrison played 15 years in the NFL, earning five Pro Bowl selections, two AP First-Team All-Pro honors, and the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2008.

If Bain has even a fraction of that success in Tampa Bay, the pick would be considered a massive success.

Gruden didn’t stop there, comparing Bain’s relentless effort and motor to his former Buccaneers stars, Simeon Rice and Warren Sapp. 

This isn’t the first time a Buccaneers legend has heaped massive praise on Bain. Earlier this offseason, Rondé Barber, Gruden’s upcoming broadcast partner, predicted Bain would reach double-digit sacks in just 13 games. 

Pillars of the organization, both former and current, are rallying around Bain, and have fully bought into his potential as a game-changer for the Buccaneers. 

The expectations are through the roof for the rookie, as Tampa Bay is counting on him to be the catalyst in breathing life into what’s been a dormant pass rush in recent years. The Bucs have struggled mightily to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and haven’t had a player record 10-or-more sacks since Shaq Barrett did it in 2021. 

If Bain can live up to the hype and deliver as an impact pass rusher from day one, the ceiling for Todd Bowles’ defense rises significantly. If the Buccaneers are going to be contenders this season, Bain is going to be a big part of it, and franchise legends like Gruden believe he has the tools to build a special career in Tampa Bay.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow