Why NFL Network Is Quietly Erasing Jon Gruden and Rich Dalrymple from America’s Game Marathon—What They Don’t Want You to Know

The ice has thawed between the Buccaneers and former coach Jon Gruden, who is back in the team’s Ring of Honor. The ice remains solid between the league and Gruden.

On America’s birthday, NFL Network televises a marathon of the America’s Game series. Each episode consists of a one-hour look at every Super Bowl champion — starting with the 1966 Packers and culminating with the 2023 Chiefs. (The newest episode, focusing on the 2024 Eagles, has yet to be released.)Also omitted is the 1995 Cowboys edition, which is narrated by former P.R. chief Rich Dalrymple. He resigned abruptly in 2022. Not long after he made his exit, he was linked to not one but two incidents of alleged voyeurism. Allegations that he secretly recorded the Cowboys’ cheerleaders in their locker room reportedly resulted in a .4 million settlement.It’s funny how time can mend some fences but leave others stubbornly frozen. Take the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jon Gruden—their chilly chapter has warmed enough for Gruden to reclaim his place in the team’s Ring of Honor. Meanwhile, the NFL’s relationship with Gruden remains as frosty as ever. NBA Network’s marathon of the America’s Game series—an ambitious dive into every Super Bowl winner from the ’66 Packers through the 2023 Chiefs—is a staple that rolls out every Fourth of July, stirring up nostalgia and debate alike. But, here’s the kicker: out of the 58 documented triumphs, only 56 get airtime. Two notable franchises and their stories have been sidelined since 2022—namely, the 2002 Buccaneers and the 1995 Cowboys, each shadowed by controversy involving key figures. While the Buccaneers’ episode hovers in the background due to Gruden’s complicated exit and ongoing legal battles, the Cowboys’ edition remains off the air following the ignominious retirement of Rich Dalrymple amid serious allegations. Will next year’s viewing bring these stories back into the limelight? Time will tell. Meanwhile, if curiosity’s got the best of you, those missing episodes are still accessible online—for now. LEARN MORETune in next year, to see if the 2002 Bucs and 1995 ‘Boys get left out. Until then, you can watch the Gruden episode here, and the Dalrymple one here.As noted by Tyler Dunne of GoLongTD.com, the 58-volume library includes only 56. Two are omitted — and they have been, dating back to 2022.Still gone is the episode devoted to the 2002 Buccaneers (featuring Gruden). He was forced to resign as coach of the Raiders during the 2021 season after emails he’d sent years earlier were leaked from the files of an investigation into the Washington franchise. He has a lawsuit still pending against the league and Commissioner Roger Goodell.