Who Is Deuce Gruden Raiders Strength Coach & Powerlifting Champion

Introduction

When you think of the name Gruden, chances are your mind jumps straight to NFL coaching legend Jon Gruden. But there’s another Gruden making waves in his own lane—Deuce Gruden, the strength and conditioning powerhouse for the Las Vegas Raiders. Beyond being the coach’s son, Deuce is a world-class powerlifter, a respected NFL coach, and someone with a story worth telling.

This article dives into Deuce Gruden’s age, career, powerlifting achievements, family connections, salary range, weight, birthday, and more—even touching on the often-asked questions about his personal life, including the “wife” rumors.

Early Life and Family Background

Birth and Birthday

Deuce Gruden, whose full name is Jon David “Deuce” Gruden II, was born in 1994, making him 30 or 31 years old in 2025. While his exact birthdate isn’t public, sports media pegged him at age 23 in mid-2017, which aligns with that estimate.

Parents – Jon and Cindy Gruden

Deuce is the eldest son of Jon Gruden, the former head coach for both the Raiders and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Cindy Gruden. The couple married in 1991 and raised three sons—Deuce, Jayson, and Jobe.

The Gruden Family Legacy

The Grudens are NFL royalty. Deuce’s uncle, Jay Gruden, served as head coach for Washington and is a respected offensive mind. Growing up in that environment meant football wasn’t just a sport—it was a way of life.

Education and Early Athletics

High School Athlete

Deuce attended Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, Florida, where he played multiple positions in football quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, and safety. He also ran track and even held an 800-meter school record. His leadership skills stood out, serving as team captain in both his junior and senior years.

College Football at Lafayette

From 2012 to 2015, Deuce played for Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, taking on various roles in the football program. He earned a reputation for toughness, versatility, and discipline, traits that would later define his coaching career.

From Player to Coach: NFL Career Path

Starting in Washington

Deuce began his NFL career in 2016 as a strength and conditioning intern for the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). By 2017, he was promoted to assistant strength coach.

Joining the Raiders

In 2018, Deuce joined the Raiders’ staff as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. This wasn’t just a case of nepotism—his credentials and results spoke for themselves. As of 2025, he has spent eight seasons with the Raiders and ten total in the NFL.

Role and Responsibilities

Deuce’s work includes designing training programs, overseeing injury rehab processes, and ensuring athletes maintain peak physical performance. His programs have helped Raiders stars like Maxx Crosby, Davante Adams, and Josh Jacobs elevate their game.

Deuce Gruden’s Age, Height, and Weight

Age: Around 30–31 (born 1994)

Height: Approximately 5-foot-5

Weight: Competes in the 83 kg (183 lb) powerlifting category

While his height is below the NFL average, it’s perfect for his sport of choice—powerlifting—where shorter limbs can be an advantage for certain lifts.

Powerlifting Career and Achievements

2017 World Champion

In 2017, Deuce won gold in the junior 83 kg class at the IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships. That same year, he squatted a jaw-dropping 622 pounds, which turned heads both in and outside of the NFL.

Training Philosophy

Deuce applies the same training principles in the Raiders’ weight room as he does in competition—focusing on compound lifts, explosive power, and mobility.

Recent Competitions

Even while coaching full-time, Deuce continues to compete. In May 2025, he placed third in an IPF international meet, hitting a 463-pound lift that made highlight reels.

Salary and Career Outlook

NFL assistant strength and conditioning coaches typically make $60,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on tenure and team budget. Given his years of experience and recognition in the powerlifting community, Deuce is likely earning toward the higher end of that scale.

Looking ahead, he could eventually become a Head Strength Coach or even transition into broader sports performance leadership roles.

Personal Life: The “Wife” Rumors

There’s no credible evidence that Deuce Gruden is married. Despite frequent searches for “Deuce Gruden wife,” this appears to be more about curiosity than reality. Deuce has kept his personal life private, focusing on his professional and athletic careers.

Family Ties: Jon Gruden and Michael Gruden

Jon Gruden: Deuce’s father and one of the NFL’s most recognizable coaches.

Michael Gruden: This name pops up in search results, but there’s no confirmed family connection. It may be a missearch or unrelated individual.

Deuce Gruden on Wikipedia

Interestingly, Deuce Gruden Raiders doesn’t have his own dedicated Wikipedia page. He’s mentioned in Jon Gruden’s entry and various NFL staff listings. This lack of a standalone page means many casual fans still don’t know the full scope of his achievements.

Social Media and Public Image

Deuce’s Instagram account (@deucegruden) has over 12,000 followers, where he shares training clips, lifting videos, and occasional behind-the-scenes moments from Raiders facilities.

On YouTube, he’s been featured in sports segments like “Meet Deuce: Jon Gruden’s Powerlifting Son,” showcasing his unique combination of NFL coaching and competitive lifting.

Impact on the Raiders

Deuce’s presence in the Raiders’ weight room has been felt. Players credit him for improvements in explosive speed, endurance, and injury prevention. His ability to blend modern sports science with old-school intensity makes him a valuable asset to the team.

Why Deuce Gruden Matters

Deuce Gruden’s journey shows that you can have a famous last name and still carve your own path. He’s not just “Jon Gruden’s son”—he’s an accomplished athlete, a respected coach, and a figure who bridges the gap between powerlifting and pro football.

Final Thoughts

Deuce Gruden is a rare mix of NFL expertise and world-class athleticism. Whether he’s helping a Raiders rookie adjust to the league or chasing his next powerlifting title, he brings the same intensity and focus. As he continues to grow in his career, his name will likely become more widely known in both sports.