Former NFL kicker Jay Feely is transitioning to politics, drawing on his sports experience to navigate the pressures of Congress as he seeks to represent Arizona’s 1st Congressional District.
Jay Feely, a former NFL placekicker, is the latest athlete to make the leap into politics, aiming to bring his leadership skills and experience under pressure to Capitol Hill. Feely, who played for teams including the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals before becoming a commentator for “NFL on CBS,” is vying for the seat of retiring Representative David Schweikert, R-Ariz.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Feely discussed how his time in the NFL has equipped him for a career in Congress. “Especially as a kicker — to be a successful kicker in the NFL, you have to be able to handle pressure, and you have to be able to handle failure,” he said. “Those two attributes are very tangible and will help you as you navigate the political field and try to be effective.”
Feely emphasized that his experiences in the NFL exposed him to teammates from diverse backgrounds, which he believes is crucial for representing a varied constituency. “The greatest advantage of being an NFL player was being in those locker rooms where racial walls were broken down and conversations happened,” he noted. “You got to know people you might not otherwise ever meet.”
He shared a personal anecdote about facing the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field shortly after a difficult game against the Seahawks. The night before, he had been the subject of a comedic skit on “Saturday Night Live,” and during the game, the Eagles played a montage of his missed kicks on the Jumbotron to mock him. “They tried to deter me, but I made the kick, and my career went on for another nine years,” he recalled. “You learn a lot through those processes.”
Feely’s journey into politics is not unique. He highlighted the connections between sports and public service, referencing his work with Scott Turner, the current Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and a former NFL player. “There’s so many different correlations with people in sports, and a lot of the best people I know from sports have thought about getting into politics,” he said.
Feely will face off against former state Representative Amish Shah, D-Phoenix, who also has a background in sports as the New York Jets’ team doctor. The political landscape in Arizona is competitive, with Democrats vying for a crucial House seat amid a narrow Republican majority.
Turner, who played cornerback in the NFL before transitioning to public service, shared his own experiences. “The Lord used football to change the course of my life,” he said. “Through the game, I learned lessons that continue to guide me every day in public service: discipline, teamwork, perseverance, humility, and working toward a mission bigger than yourself.”
These values, Turner explained, have shaped his leadership style in both the Texas House of Representatives and at HUD. “My experience on football teams shaped how I lead, how I serve, and the example I hope to set for the next generation,” he added.
Another athlete-turned-politician is Representative Sharice Davids, D-Kan., who had a successful career in mixed martial arts before entering Congress. Davids, who compiled a 5-1 amateur record and briefly fought professionally, remarked, “Turns out getting punched in the face is pretty good preparation for Congress.” She emphasized that her fighting career taught her the importance of discipline and respect, which she applies to her role in public service.
Tommy Tuberville, a former head coach at Auburn University, transitioned to the U.S. Senate in 2021. He previously discussed the parallels between coaching and running a political campaign, noting the importance of teamwork. “You’re only as good as the team around you,” he stated.
Historically, several notable politicians have emerged from athletic backgrounds. Jack Kemp, a former NFL quarterback, served as a congressman and HUD Secretary, later becoming the Republican vice presidential nominee in 1996. Kemp believed that his experiences in football provided him with a unique perspective on politics, having faced the scrutiny of public life long before entering the political arena.
Currently, the only active member of Congress with an NFL background is Representative Burgess Owens, a Republican from Utah. Owens, a former safety for the New York Jets, has often criticized the politicization of sports, particularly during the national anthem protests.
Other former athletes who have successfully transitioned to politics include Steve Largent, a Hall of Fame wide receiver who served in Congress, and Jim Bunning, a former pitcher who had a lengthy political career after his time in Major League Baseball.
As Feely embarks on his political journey, he joins a lineage of athletes who have leveraged their sports experiences to navigate the complexities of public service. With his unique background, he hopes to bring a fresh perspective to Congress and effectively represent the interests of his constituents in Arizona.
Feely’s story is a testament to the enduring connection between sports and politics, highlighting how the lessons learned on the field can translate into effective leadership in the public sphere, according to Fox News.