Former NFL kicker Jay Feely is ‘seriously considering’ running for a United States Congress seat, according to a report from The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Feely, who spent 14 seasons suiting up for NFL teams, would seek to be the representative for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District. The kicker played for the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears from 2001 to 2014.
The potential move into politics is made possible by the departure of Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., who has held the seat since 2017 but is running for Arizona governor in 2026. Republicans have held the seat since 2011.
The 48-year-old Feely figures to make a final decision within the next three months, GOP strategist Brian Seitchik told The Arizona Republic on Feely’s behalf.
Feely has grown close with President Donald Trump as well, previously joining the president for golf at his clubs in Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster, New Jersey, praising Trump’s ‘earnest desires for our great country.’
According to Seitchik, Feely was ‘enthusiastically introduced’ to conservative members of Congress, including House Freedom Caucus founding member Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, when he visited in March.
One of Feely’s old teams, the Jets, are owned by businessman and GOP donor Woody Johnson, who went on to be the United Kingdom ambassador during the first Trump administration – adding another connection to Feely’s potential political future.
He previously entertained a role in politics, criticizing then-President Barack Obama in a 2009 television news segment, before electing to focus on family. Now, 16 years later, he might be diving into the political realm to represent a district that Seitchik said Feely has lived in with his wife and kids for more than 10 years.
Feely does carry some national name recognition. The kicker has worked as a commentator for CBS Sports in his post-playing days.
During the regular season, Feely serves as a game analyst. He worked alongside Philadelphia Phillies play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy and former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker last season.
In the postseason, Feely joined CBS’s top broadcast team with Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson as a kicking analyst.
The district Feely is contemplating a run in covers most of Arizona’s East Valley, including parts of Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek and Apache Junction.
About 20% of active voters in the district are Democrats, 45% are Republicans and 35% are not affiliated with a political party, according to the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
