Jon Gruden isn’t here to win an Emmy, he’s here to win football games.
Addressing the Raiders’ roster cuts on Monday, coach Gruden spoke about the release of wide receiver Keelan Doss, who became the breakout star of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” this season.
“That was your storyline. That wasn’t my storyline, just so we’re on the same page,” Gruden told reporters. “He did a heck of a job. We tried to keep him on practice squad. He felt like he had a better opportunity to make the team in Jacksonville. You hate to see him go, but we’re happy for his future.”
Viewers embraced Doss’ feel-good story as a local undrafted free agent out of Alameda, Calif., who joined the Raiders in April. After being waived by the team, he was signed to the Jaguars’ practice squad.
Oakland kept receivers Marcel Ateman and Rico Gafford for their practice squad.
“We weren’t eager to get rid of Marcell Ateman. He started several games for us last year. Rico Gafford made some big plays this preseason, and he’s only played receiver for one year,” Gruden said.
“[Doss was] in a tough spot. He’s a big story on the TV show, but that’s not the reality that we saw on tape,” Gruden noted of the former UC Davis star.
Doss had 162 receiving yards and one touchdown during his four preseason games with Oakland.