Former NFL kicker Jay Feely running for Congress

Former NFL kicker Jay Feely launched a bid for an open House seat in Arizona on Tuesday, seeking to become the latest to cross over from sports to politics. 

Running as a Republican, Feely is running to represent the state’s 5th Congressional District and succeed Rep. Andy Biggs (R), who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor next year. The former player-turned sports analyst pitched himself as a strong supporter of President Trump and highlighted his experience on and off the field on his campaign website. 

“A proud conservative and staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, Feely is running in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District to fight for border security, protect our freedoms, and put America First,” the website states. “He’s tough, tested, and ready to kick Washington into shape.” 

Feely played in the NFL for more than a decade for six teams, with his longest tenures coming for the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals. He retired following the 2014 season. 

He then worked as an analyst for CBS Sports for 10 years, bidding farewell to the network shortly before announcing his House candidacy. 

On his website, Feely also touted his time on the NFL Players Association Executive Committee, during which he represented other players in negotiations with management, and founding the Feely Family Foundation with his wife to support youth and education. He also mentioned his community and faith-based service experience, working with groups such as Mission of Hope and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

Feely is calling for a wide range of conservative policies, including mass deportations for “violent offenders,” banning transgender women from competing in women’s sports and expansion of the 2017 Trump tax cuts. He also declared his support for Israel and advancing American energy independence. 

He already has at least one opponent in the primary, former state Rep. Travis Grantham (R), but he secured a high-profile endorsement from Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). 

Feely told Fox News that he had been interested in politics for a while, but the assassination attempt on Trump last summer inspired him to run for office.

“That was a big moment for me. I remember starting to really think about running for office the day that he got shot,” he said.

If elected, Feely would join a list of former professional sports player to win public office. Other former players who became politicians include former Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.), who was an MLB pitcher, and former Sen. Bill Bradley (D-N.J.), who played for the New York Knicks in the NBA.