Mike Florio Blasts Chucky

April 13th, 2014
Mike Florio is no fan of former Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Chucky.

Mike Florio is no fan of former Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Chucky.

It takes a lot for Joe to watch Monday Night Football. As much of a footballaholic that Joe is, the Monday Night Football telecast is a chore to watch.

Sure, Joe enjoys and appreciates Mike Tirico, very much an underrated play-by-play man. He’s almost enough for Joe to tune into alone. But then there is his partner, color man, Chucky.

Joe will never, ever forget how Chucky guided the Bucs to the franchise’s only Super Bowl championship. He did what the sainted Father Dungy could never do, mold an offense to balance one of the greatest defenses in NFL history. And for that, Joe will always hold Chucky in high regard. With the exception of a year winning games against garbage teams, the Bucs have been horrid since Chucky was jettisoned by Team Glazer.

After leaving the Bucs, Chucky has been working Monday Night Football and Joe believes it is dreadful TV. Everybody is a Hall of Famer. Everybody is a player. Chucky just throws out “love” to every player.

It’s dishonest. Some bulls(p)it! Joe can never forget is how Chucky raved how Bill Callahan, his former offensive coordinator with Oakland, as being “the best players’ coach” Chucky ever had. Never mind that Callahan, two years after Chucky left the Raiders to join the Bucs, had a near mutiny on his hands and was basically fired because his players were ready to string him up from the nearest tree.

Enter the creator, curator and overall guru of ProFootballTalk.com, the great Mike Florio, into the mix. Florio has grown so weary of Chucky’s nonsense, he’s like Joe, he can’t watch games with the sound on.

While Joe is entertained by Chucky’s quarterback camps, Florio has personally banned Chucky from his TV viewing habits, as he told Jon Marks And Sean Brace of WPEN 97.5 in Philadelphia.

“I don’t watch it anymore,” Florio said. “I cannot listen to Jon Gruden. I can’t listen to him. He has become a caricature. His voice has become like the “Superfans” skit on “Saturday Night Live.” I can’t listen to him. I cannot listen to him.

“I used to be entertained by it and now I can’t listen to it. I used to DVR all the quarterback camp things. I just cannot listen to the guy.

“I’m a fake tough guy and if I was three inches taller I’d have been a Hall of Fame quarterback.”

Joe cannot agree with Florio more. The one thing Joe cannot stand is a guy pumping out bulls(p)it non-stop at him on a broadcast. It’s arrogant and demeaning, but then again, so is BSPN all too often. They treat viewers like children afflicted with ADD.

If Chucky would just be honest with viewers and tell people who sucked along with who is great, he could be the next John Madden. But Chucky won’t do that. As a result, unless it is a can’t miss game, on Monday nights Joe often is watching DVR versions of NFL games he missed the previous Sunday.

Or going to a local watering hole where it’s so loud from the crowd, Joe cannot hear the audio of the broadcast.

84 Responses to “Mike Florio Blasts Chucky”

  1. Bucfan#37 Says:

    I agree 100%. Chucky is just yucky. Get him out of here.

  2. Mike Duggan Says:

    Couldn’t agree more on his broadcasting, but I will forever be grateful to him for what he brought to us:)

  3. Rob Says:

    Beats Dennis Miller or Tony Kornheiser… I’d like to see him praising players a little less but I enjoy having a Bucs Super Bowl winning coach in such a prominent position.

  4. Brain Says:

    I’ll never forget the Vikings-Giants game where Freeman was playing his 1st and only game as a Viking and both he and Eli Manning were sucking it up, yet Gruden rationalized every Eli mistake and trashed Freeman all game.

    Sometimes he can be insightful but he’s too biased to cover international broadcasts imo. When he’s not putting spin on the action he’s enjoyable.

  5. Chef Paul Says:

    I might be a minority here but I love Love LOVE Chucky doing MNF. I dont take him 100% seriously though, but I think he found a great job for his personality.

  6. johnny Says:

    Rather listen to Gruden than Mike Florios TMZ version of the NFL .

  7. finishers Says:

    well i like him and think it very entertaining and who gives a shit what mike Florios thinks!?! he sucks!!!

  8. Gt40bear Says:

    Pot and kettle there Florio! A liberal attorney media wannabe from West Virginia can’t be more fake than that! Yes would be nice if Chucky told it like it was but a TRUE football fan should be able to tune out the BS.

  9. RCH Says:

    It could be worse Jaws could still be in the booth.

  10. Couch Fan Says:

    Chucky likes to see the good in everybody. Nothing wrong with that unless your a pessimist.

  11. Couch Fan Says:

    By the way, the way Florio feels about Gruden, is the same way most people feel about Florio’s opinions. He’s a moron.

  12. Barry Says:

    Gruden is the number one sought after guy. No disrespect intended but guys like Florio, Joe, Dumbdog, Justin, T.Jones, and the Ian’s of media world just aren’t in Chucky’s class. And never will be. Is it that your boy Manziel loves Gru? Jealousy is a ugly thing.

  13. RastaMon Says:

    MNF is past my bed time…in general the sport is over hyped…Buc’s on Sunday and thats pretty much it……now Saturday is a different story…much more entertaining and enjoyable…Gruden =’s Cosell on MNF….love him or hate…they all tune in…

  14. Harry Says:

    Since “every player is All Pro”, Chucky brings nothing to a broadcast. I always thought he did that bc he was going back into coaching and did not want to be an azz to players he may be coaching again one day. But now I don’t think he is ever going to coach again so his lack of an honest opinion on a player is annoying and insulting to viewers.

  15. Barry Says:

    Gruden is the number one sought after guy. No disrespect intended but guys like Florio, Joe, Steve Overrated, Justin, T.Jones, and the Ian’s of media world just aren’t in Chucky’s class. And never will be. Is it that your boy Manziel loves Gru? Jealousy is a ugly thing.

  16. Manzielski Says:

    I just love Jon Gruden.

    I especially loved it when he was double dipping the Glazers.

    Jealousy is not a pretty sight. Dennis Who???

    You have to realize that there are a lot more casual football fans who watch Monday Night Football because they like the glitz, glamour, and promotion as opposed to stats or who is going to the playoffs.

    If someone in my house is going to spend a thousand bucks on football gear and tickets, it will be my wife. She knows exactly who Jon Gruden is, has never heard of Dennis Who and doesn’t know who is going to the Super Bowl until the week before it happens. She has watched at least 40 Super Bowls.

  17. FLBoyInDallas Says:

    No one is jealous. It’s just that the majority of fans don’t like Gruden’s personality. Decent coach, annoying announcer. That pretty much sums it up.

  18. joseph mamma Says:

    I believe he plans on going back to coaching and wants all his bridges open so to speak. But he is a dishonest dude in general, but great motivator. I used to like listening to him but the praise he heaps on player’s and coach’s is mostly garbage and got annoying. You notice he rips into the ref’s though, and critiques their work. The ref’s are not going to hinder his return to the coaching game.

  19. Brain Says:

    @Barry

    Joe is really digging himself a hole with this Manziel crap. Fans are paying attention but it’s not too late for Joe to change his mind. Wasn’t Joe a big fan of Morris Claiborne before the 2012 draft too? I don’t remember fully but I’ll never forget this Manziel hype.

  20. BucsQcCity Says:

    If you think its painful, you should try my local broadcast in Canada. An ex-CFL OL that act as the analyst. Chucky might sound bad but its order of magnitude better than what I have!

  21. Moving On Says:

    Who cares

  22. Jeagan1999 Says:

    Gruden has forgotten more about football than Florio will ever know! If you don’t like listening to the way Chucky calls the game, then turn the sound down on the TV and listen to the team call on Sirius or the national calls on regular radio. But don’t ever think that Florio is even worthy to be mentioned in the same breath as a SuperBowl winning coach like Jon Gruden…because he is not!

  23. JWBucs Says:

    Coaches who get on TV often go out of their way to heap praise on players who prob don’t deserve it, mainly because they aspire to coach again and don’t want to ruffle any feathers. Gruden on the other hand takes it to another level. I don’t mind it too much, I kind of tune him out when need be.

  24. Jerry Says:

    I like Chucky. Dislike Florio. He’s jealous because he’s not pulling down $4-5 million a year in broadcast. ABC pays him what they do and keeps extending his contract for a reason.

  25. BucinNC Says:

    He doesn’t just praise everyone. The ones he singles out are all very good players and guys we would all like to have in our locker room. He doesn’t praise guys like Eric page for being amazing but he will praise a tough guy on the offensive line or a hard nosed line backer etc.

    But what do you guys expect from him? I think the nfl is at fault for having such crappy games on MNF a lot of the times. Do we really care about watching the jets titans game? It’s his job to try and hype that game the same way he would pats broncos. And that’s not easy.

  26. Tackleblockwin Says:

    Actually it is Florio who drives me nuts…lol. Gruden is much the entertainer as John Madden was now, but don’t be fooled. He is still a very smart analyst. I do think Gruden holds back at times from his team/player evaluations. All in all though, then an pushed us over the hump and got us a SB victory. Yes, I repeat, the Bucs of all teams have win a SB and I will always be greatfull for that.

  27. Tackleblockwin Says:

    Sorry about the horrid typing…on 1st cup of coffee still.

  28. bucrightoff Says:

    “Let me tell you about . I love this guy, works hard, , I’d want him on my football team” – Jon Gruden

    Loved Gruden as a coach but he’s been pretty bad as a broadcaster. I know he still wants to coach probably and doesn’t want to risk offending any potential employers, but he pretty much praises everyone. It’s kinda annoying.

    Florio is more annoying because PFT blocks comments in a bizarre, nonsensical way. Like the other day I posted on the Johnny Wonderlic article that the only thing that matters about the wonderlic is if the QB scores 6 as that indicates possible retardation (now who could I be referring to…)…and it got posted. Meanwhile I’ve made many legit comments that got blocked. I appreciate that here Joe you pretty much let it fly freely.

  29. Maze Says:

    Florio has always come off as a know it all douche bag to me but I’ll give him props for his website. Don’t care for him or his opinions on most days. Jon Gruden is the man

  30. Buc1987 Says:

    Well I know for a bit there they were going through announcers like water. ESPN must like him for signing him to such a monster contract and extension.

  31. Chris Says:

    Gruden loves every player out there on tv but don’t id love to hear what he has to say off the cameras.

    I hate his qb camp for one reason only: he never had the patience for young qbs which is why he continuously plugged veteran after veteran to start at the position. Now he’s coaching them on tv?

  32. Chris Says:

    As much as I don’t like some of things gruden says or puts out there florio is just a plain goon. He got ripped apart for the harbaugh story. Even the NIners owner called him out on twitter and called him a goon.

    I think everything at least 8/10 things he reports is bull spit. Only Jason LA canfora is worse in my opinion. Rap sheet or schefter are the guys that have inside connections and good ones

  33. Barry Says:

    Gruden will always be a great coach. Only coach ever to have 2 teams in the Super Bowl, in the same year (TB-OAK). Any man who can walk onto any sand lot, any office, any TV studio, and crowds follow him,,,,is a great man. I’d follow him up Hamburger Hill. Can’t believe we had the greatest NFL man in Tampa and we let him go. Shame on the media in this town. Any fan who wanted Gruden fired has low football intelligence.

  34. Westsidebucsfan Says:

    Jealous much?

  35. ander Says:

    mike florio is drinking some of that haterade from shaun burger king

  36. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Love Gruden in the booth….and forever grateful.

    There are a ton of ex-Bucs broadcasters….probably more than any team!
    Dominick, Dilfer, Young, Barber, Sapp, Dungy, Gruden, Lynch…..and of course Shaun King!

    “Shaun King, one of two Buc Quarterbacks that lost a NFC Championship Game when his defense gave up 11 or fewer points.”

  37. Couch Fan Says:

    @Chris

    Thats the same thing he did to Schiano. He was among the main bashers when the whole Freeman saga went down. He just loves to talk out of the wrong hole.

  38. BigMacAttack Says:

    I’m with Chef Paul and the other Chucky fans. I love the guy and hated when he got fired. I take him with a grain of salt but the guy knows football and he knows more now than when he was our coach. A lot of film study and preparation goes into Chucky’s job. He loves so many players because he loves the game. I don’t sit through MNF entire games generally either. I watch the Bucs, Lightning & Rays, Gators, FSU & USF occasionally. Broadcasting in any form is a tough job, talking steadily for a few hours without saying duh, uh, um is a challenge and I could never do it. Besides that I’m ready to hang the refs or officials less than 15 minutes into the game.

  39. BigMacAttack Says:

    And Go Bolts !!!!!!

  40. Buc Fan #237 Says:

    Gruden just loves football.

    Normally Monday Night Football games have quality teams on with quality players. It is easy to find good players on good teams and talk positive about them.

    But, in the rare cases that a team turns to garbage and they have to announce the game for them… Chucky will get all irritated when the garbage teams can’t execute.

    For instance when Josh Freeman got the start… he had nothing good to say about him by the second quarter. And rightly so. Josh Freeman embarrassed himself and all his fanboys on national TV. Jon Gruden did not sugar coat Freemans sorriness that night.

  41. RealityCheck Says:

    Arrogant and demeaning? C’mon dude. I like Chucky on MNF and its hilarious when he gets overly excited and calls everyone the best.

  42. mpmalloy Says:

    Gruden is kicked back in a Stressless recliner
    right in the middle of Florio’s head.
    Chucky is using Florio’s pineal gland as side table.
    I can never understand the player-hate for Gruden.

    So what if he says good things about players and coaches
    but doesn’t attend their kids soccer games?

    Just admit it. The only reason to hate Gruden is because he
    “pulls” like crazy all of time everywhere and you don’t.

  43. William Says:

    “They treat viewers like children” says Joe.

    I wonder how you felt about Schiano treating the players like children?

    Hmmmm….

    The Super Bowl experience can never be taken away. For that, I am grateful for Gruden, but I can do without the BS on MNF.

  44. Kirk Says:

    One might say the same thing about Joe and Florio. Both at times come across as extremely amateurish and boring. One might say Joe’s almost constant, but always unrealized desire for another man’ woman and Florio’s rumor mill, Hollywood Extra, Extra style of journalism, kinda really sucks as well. Don’t throw stones Joe, you aint so hot either.

  45. Chris Says:

    Joe and th big dawg hated schiano so much or were against him 100% that anything josh did wrong was all on Greg. Revis playing bad? Greg’s fault.

    Greg schiano didn’t ruin Freeman’s career. Dude did it to himself.

  46. k1ngadroc Says:

    Gru eats, drinks and sleeps football. Dude could have done anything but chooses to go to some non-descript strip mall space everyday and where he can study endless amounts of tape. Through that passion he evals all the upcoming QB’s (any QB worth their salt makes a pilgrimage to Tampa). What the hell is wrong with that? I like the insight.

    Joe, get over yourself

  47. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    One sees great things from the valley; only small things from the peak.

  48. Couch Fan Says:

    The one thing Joe cannot stand is a guy pumping out bulls(p)it non-stop at him on a broadcast. It’s arrogant and demeaning, but then again,

    ———————

    Joe, just out of curiousity. How do you know that he doesn’t mean what he says? So basically because you dont agree with him its bullsp!t? What’s the difference when you spew your garbage about Glennon and needing more than the 4th best QB in the division? Those arent facts those are opinions and according to your comment that also makes you arrogant. And we all know just how demeaning you are. Lol

    So I guess you and Gruden would get along great.

  49. BigMacAttack Says:

    I must disagree. I think Joe and Florio both do a great job. I may not agree with their every word but respect all three and I could never do their job. Joes are tops in my book and like film, the numbers don’t lie. Haters gonna hate.

  50. Posey99 Says:

    Gruden was very honest with manziel on the gruden camp show.

  51. cap Says:

    What? Gruden is hilarious and entertaining that actually has some great comments on various packages. Grudens not going to put anyone on blast by saying a certain player “sucks” (no self respecting commentator should). But he does point out when a player makes a mistake, but then again how would you or Florio know that if you don’t watch & listen to the whole broadcast.

  52. Pete 422 Says:

    I don’t watch football for the play by play or the color guy. They “just happen to be there…” as far as I’m concerned (that goes for any game). I’m too in to the game to really care.

  53. kh Says:

    Internet NFL geeks stick together. The opinions of the keyboard jockeys are irrelevant, Gruden is a absolute legend.

  54. Patrick Says:

    My favorite Gruden broadcast was when Freeman showed the world how bad he was on last year on MNF, and when Gruden made a bunch of sarcastic jabs at his play. LOL.

  55. Couch Fan Says:

    I agree Patrick. That 1 game was more fun to watch than all 60+ games he played as a Buc.

  56. BoJim Says:

    Chucky needs to get off the Adderall.

  57. zam Says:

    By the time MNF rolls around I’m kinda tired of football after the deluge of it Sunday. Even Sunday Night Football would be hard for me to watch were it not usually the best game of the week.

  58. Dreambig Says:

    I love Gruden, he cracks me up and he knows his stuff! One of the most entertaining broadcasters to listen to.

  59. WalkdaPlank Says:

    Clearly, Floria’s inability to pull like Chucky has made him jealous.

  60. gotbbucs Says:

    He’s one reason I will never again watch the draft coverage on ESPN. Another reason is just that NFL Networks coverage is 10 times better regardless of who’s talking.
    As far as Gruden is concerned, every player taken in the 7th round has pro bowl potential. He is such a tool. I don’t believe for a second that teams call him regarding open Head Coaching jobs every offseason like his agent wants us to believe. It’s just a ploy to get the Disney Corp. to cough up more money.

  61. Buc1987 Says:

    My cousin was the long snapper for the Bucs on the SB team. He told me a long time ago that Gruden is very much a fake.

  62. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    “After leaving the Bucs, Chucky has been working Monday Night Football and Joe believes it is dreadful TV. Everybody is a Hall of Famer. Everybody is a player. Chucky just throws out “love” to every player.

    It’s dishonest. Some bulls(p)it!” – Joe

    You are entitled to your opinion, but I enjoy it. He’s better than Madden was, and Madden did the same things you accuse Gruden of.

  63. Kramden Says:

    Gruden isn’t a deep guy. Shallower than most anyone. His broadcasting reflects that. It’s really all he has to offer. Ask his players. Any criticism he does spout is often behind one’s back. Not on TV.

  64. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Florio does the same thing. Between the Redskins name and the whole gay football plays issue, he is constantly running his mouth. And if you even contradict his opinion, you get blocked.

  65. Couch Fan Says:

    A lot of people bashing the man because he chooses to be positive about everyone ?

    You must have some miserable lives.

  66. Joe Says:

    Zan:

    Sunday Night Football slurps the NFC East in a terrible way.

  67. Schlomie NudnikKvetsh Says:

    Stopped watching Monday Night Football a few years ago. Stopped going to Bucs games 6 years ago. Professional sports has taken on the “human interest'” side of society to garner interest. It’s no different than professional wrestling. I watch college games at my house, on my deck and I have all the craft beer, cigars and wine that I desire. I’ll never go to another pro sports event again. They’ve ruined it. The greed and commercialism overshadows the actual event. If you think different, you are ignorant and lack the ability to reason/rationalize. I do like to come to this site to piss you all off and give doses of reality. Eventually, you’ll realize I’m correct.

  68. stratobuc Says:

    Gruden knows a Hell of a lot more than Florio or any other critical pundit about football. He’s the best thing to happen to MNF since Don Meredith. Apparently, its another slow week.

  69. Bucnjim Says:

    Sorry, but I’ve talked to Gruden personally at least a dozen times and the guy is all class! I don’t think anyone is more passionate about football than he is. One of the smartest X’s & O’s guys I’ve ever seen. Never have I seen one ounce of arrogance when it comes to talking to people. Sat there and discussed offense with one of our dishwashers like he was a coach in the NFL. He looks at everyone the same and that can’t be said of most players in the league.

  70. Owlykat Says:

    Jon Gruden is a regular contributor to Pewter Report and follows and pulls for the Bucs and he doesn’t hide his negative opinions there. I appreciate that he pulls for the Bucs and I enjoy his draft views too!

  71. Bucs Fan Since '76 Says:

    Love Gruden, and he already is the next Maddon. His QB camps are outstanding and hilarious. I loved Cossell too so what do I know?

  72. BigMacAttack Says:

    Owlykat, that is really nice to hear about him. Bucnjim you too, great posts. Chucky will always have a place in my heart, and I’m glad he’s still
    A Buc fan. I used to love hearing him mic’d up on the field or in practice. Humor like his can be a great motivator. The guy was a riot at times. He practices great restraint as a broadcaster compared to the things he used to say as a HC.

  73. BigMacAttack Says:

    Oh and Joe’s Chucky captions are always great too. A good impersonator could have a field day with Chucky.

  74. Eric Says:

    Florio couldn’t make a pimple on Chucky’s ass when it comes to knowledge about pro football.

    Let him come to the film room in Carrolwood and try and hang with Jon.

    That contest would last about two minutes.

    Jon Gruden

    Super Bowl winner.
    Number one announcer in pro football.

    Florio….a blip on the radar….if that.

  75. Dan A Says:

    Give hosting a show watched worldwide a chance and see how well you do. Go Bucs and I love Chucky

  76. IdahoBucsfan Says:

    Nothing to report on Joe? I am beginning to feel the same way about JoeBucsfan!

  77. phil Says:

    Jon Gruden walks on water. I thought I would dead and gone before the Bucs ever won a super bowl. At 60 I may never get to see them win another one but I’m still hopeful. Gruden is just being who he is which is a coach. He coaches players up. Which means he tells them something good about themselves because they don’t respond to “you suck” even thought he may cut them the next day.

  78. pick6 Says:

    he seems to have brought a little more criticism to the table in the last season or so….he had no problem criticizing everyone associated with the josh freeman start in Minnesota, and i’ve heard him put his coach hat on and critique some individuals. i think he is starting to sharpen his pencil for another coaching gig and wants to remind potential employers he knows what players are doing wrong also

  79. pick6 Says:

    he does need to retire phrases like “best (player at position\player at doing a specific thing\catch\playcall) i’ve seen”, “best (whatever) in football”, “you won’t find a more (blah blah blah) than (person)”

  80. Keirster Says:

    I love the guy. Not just for the superbowl, but I find him very entertaining. If not for the so called “Superfans” he would not get all this bad publicity.

    The way the world works for me:

    If I don’t like someone, I keep it to myself and try not to sway others in to thinking the way I do by blasting out on the net for all to see.

    I allow them to have their own opinion, because opinions are never wrong.

    I come to this site for facts about the Bucs and News…Not Joe’s opinion, which I do not share.

  81. Eric Says:

    Florio did play High School football at Wheeling Central High School in WV.

    For a second there I thought he lacked credentials.

    Obviously right on Chucky’s level.

  82. KMAC1322 Says:

    So he doesnt fall to the pathetic level of most media with bashing players and only pointing out their negatives and that is a bad thing? Gruden actually doesnt talk to people like they are children who have never watched a game before unlike every other horrible commentator covering football games. He is one of the few that will actually give some insight into the plays that are being called and the technique that is carried out on the field. Gruden is a fan of the game and a fan of players in general, they all have postives and negatives and for the purpose of Monday night football he focuses on the positive and will def bring up the negative when he sees it. Far better then Collinsworth, far better then Dungy, far better then any guy on Fox and CBS.

  83. JonBuc Says:

    Gruden > a nerd acting tough like Florholio. I will give him credit for building a succesful NFL site and parlaying it into a tv gig as well. Haven’t seen someone more “over -promoted” since Dominik….

  84. Keirster Says:

    The same reason I skip article on Florio’s site are the same reasons I skip them here.

    I dont care about peoples opinions that differ than mine, I want news and facts…not editorials from guys that could not even walk in the same shoes as Gruden… all they can do is criticize from their Web Pulpit.

    Climb down and prove how manyly you are…Gruden would knock you the hell out!