Gruden, a graduate of the University of Dayton, played one series on offense and was the holder on a 37-yard field goal attempt in Dayton's 51-6 victory over the Little Giants on October 26, 1985 in Dayton, Ohio.
Gruden finished the day with four carries for 33 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that gave the Flyers a 44-6 lead. He also completed a pass as the holder on a blocked extra point, but the receiver could not get back to the original line of scrimmage. The pass went for a 14-yard loss, the only completion of the contest for future NFL coach.