Current media personality and former Super Bowl-winning NFL head coach Jon Gruden visited Wisconsin football's spring practice on Saturday.
As shared on X, the legendary NFL head coach got in front of the team to deliver a motivational message before it took the field.
"Everybody's got dreams," Gruden's began. "Everybody's got dreams of winning the Big Ten, getting in the playoffs, getting a new NIL deal. Everybody has dreams. I'm into nightmares. You guys have to end people's dreams. Miami (OH) is coming in here in a couple of months, you end their dreams. Then you get on with the schedule. Everybody's got dreams. It's your job to end those dreams and become a nightmare coming out of the tunnel."
Gruden continued with a message on 'TEAM,' an acronym often seen on the back of head coach Luke Fickell's vest on gameday, communication and effort. For specifics, here is his full speech:
“Everybody has dreams… I’m into nightmares.”@BarstoolGruden is in the building today! pic.twitter.com/NqnDGxNU0s
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) April 12, 2025
The longtime NFL head coach compiled a 117-112 overall record over 15 seasons. That experience included five total playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. He's also worked in a variety of media positions, including for ESPN on its 'Monday Night Football' broadcast and currently for Barstool Sports.
Wisconsin is now well into its spring practice session in preparation for the 2025 season. The team is set to look far different from the one that closed the 2024 campaign on a four-game losing streak, including to rivals Nebraska and Minnesota.
Watching Gruden in his natural habitat is the best. He’s going to end up calling some plays in practice I can feel it pic.twitter.com/01Wo6UBiMj
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) April 12, 2025
Part of those changes are to the coaching staff, with Jeff Grimes taking over for Phil Longo at offensive coordinator. Much of that change is also seen across the roster. The Badgers were busy during the winter transfer window, plus are sure to see continued movement during the upcoming spring window.
Those offseason moves were made with a turnaround 2025 season in mind. The Badgers are just 12-13 in two years under Fickell, plus are set to face one of the sport's toughest schedules this upcoming campaign. The team will need to take a significant step forward on both sides of the football for that turnaround to become a reality.
Spring practice ...
