Following months of tense negotiations and an ongoing lawsuit, the NFL has agreed to allow former coach Jon Gruden to return to pro football broadcasting—so long as he doesn’t use any of the words that got him in trouble last time. Gruden is set to provide play-by-play analysis for the upcoming Vikings-Cardinals preseason game, reportedly under the strict condition that he communicate exclusively through interpretive mime, shadow puppetry, or facial gestures.

“We’re excited to welcome Jon back to the booth, as long as he promises to keep his opinions and vocal cords to himself,” explained NFL Spokesperson Darlene Culpepper, wearing noise-cancelling headphones just to be safe. “We believe football fans are ready for four hours of uninterrupted sideline shrugs and quarterback impressions.”

Sources say that Gruden’s new role will include silent pantomimes of zone blitzes, an 18-step touchdown celebration Charleston, and a halftime segment where he lip-syncs the NFL rulebook to interpretive dance. “This is the cutting edge of sports entertainment,” insisted Broadcast Director Chip Worthington. “Frankly, we’re just hoping he doesn’t try to express any opinions about anything, ever.”

Not all are in agreement. “This is a dangerous precedent,” grumbled Raiders fan and amateur hand model Phil Mancuso. “If we let Gruden mime, what’s next—Roger Goodell communicating only through charades? Actually, that might improve things.”

At press time, ESPN reported a sudden spike in sales of Gruden-branded white gloves and invisible glass walls.