Jon Gruden impressed with Georgia football, delivers fiery speech

USA Today

2 hours ago

Jon Gruden, the Super Bowl-winning former head coach and current college football and NFL analyst, delivered a powerful and inspiring speech to the Georgia Bulldogs team, motivating them for their upcoming season.
Gruden also visited a Georgia Bulldogs practice while he was in town. He subsequently delivered a passionate and inspiring speech to the team.
His intensity and passion is similar to that of Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart, who has frequently emphasized the phrase "passion, fire, and energy" throughout the offseason. The 2025 Georgia team is on the younger side with over 50% of them being in their first or second year in the program.
"I feel it every day (passion, fire and energy), because if you don't have it, it's hard to be successful," said Smart ahead of fall camp. "You can't keep up. Our staff has it. Our staff has great juice. We've had a chance to reenergize."
Georgia's coaching staff has energy, but many of the younger Bulldogs are still adjusting to the pace of practice at Georgia. However, Kirby Smart likes the accountability his team has shown so far.
"They do push and challenge each other," Smart said. "That's what I've enjoyed about this team so far, they're not afraid to hold each other accountable and get after each other. They know that they're stronger together than they are apart."
The saying will be crucial for the Bulldogs as they face what's shaping up to be one of college football's most demanding schedules in 2025. Georgia is set to host powerhouses like Alabama and Texas, along with Ole Miss, and other formidable opponents in Athens. Last season ended with a sour note and everyone wants this season to be better in all phases of the game.
Jon Gruden's speech at UGA
"What I saw today was phenomenal," said Gruden. "The tempo, the attitude, I mean, the moving from drill to drill. You guys showcased your effort, but you've got to string days together."