Former NFL Kicker Jay Feely Launches Congressional Bid Inspired by Trump Shooting Incident

EXCLUSIVE: After years of contemplating a political career, former NFL kicker Jay Feely is officially entering the race for Congress. He has announced his candidacy for the Republican primary in Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District, a position currently held by Rep. Andy Biggs, who is pursuing a governorship in Arizona.

Feely’s political ambitions were reignited following the assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump last year. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Feely shared his motivations for running, stating, “The lawfare that Democrats did against President Trump and you watched him get shot. That was a big moment for me. I remember starting to really think about running for office the day that he got shot.”

The former professional athlete played for several NFL teams throughout his career, including the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and Chicago Bears. Today, Feely also serves as a sports analyst for CBS Sports.

Background and Leadership Experience

Feely believes his experience on the executive committee of the NFL Player’s Association has prepared him for a role in Congress. He reflects on a specific incident during a player lockout where negotiations became necessary. He stated, “One of those times we had a lockout and the players were locked out by the owners. We had to negotiate.”

Feely emphasizes that such negotiations bear semblance to the workings of the House and Senate. He noted, “Those types of negotiations are similar to what goes on in the House and the Senate and goes on in Congress, and you know, you’re doing those types of negotiations all the time.” He expressed confidence in being ready for the legislative challenges he might face.

Focus on Immigration Reform

Feely identifies illegal immigration as the most pressing issue facing Arizona. Amid significant policy changes, he critiques the Democrats’ stance on immigration reform. He said, “The Democrats told us that they needed a bill passed in Congress or they couldn’t fix the border. And President Biden sat by and let tens of millions of illegals come into our country while he could have taken the measures that President Trump did in three months.”

The Current Political Landscape

The Republican primary in Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District already includes prominent figures such as former House Speaker Pro Tempore Travis Grantham and Army veteran Alex Stovall. The Cook Political Report categorizes the district as solidly Republican, indicating that it likely will not be targeted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for a potential pickup.

Despite this, Feely considers himself a “uniter” in a political environment characterized by division. He remarks, “I think one of the things from a Republican perspective is we haven’t stayed united. Democrats stay united even when they completely disagree on issues. They’re a united front.” He also acknowledged Speaker Johnson’s efforts in maintaining Republican unity since Trump took office.

Looking Ahead

As Feely embarks on his congressional journey, he is aware of the competitive landscape anticipated for the upcoming midterm elections. With Republicans holding a narrow majority in the House, he understands the importance of fostering unity within the party.

His experience in high-pressure negotiations during his NFL tenure gives him confidence in navigating the complexities of political discourse. He intends to apply those skills and experiences to advocate for the needs of Arizonans, particularly in immigration and other key areas.

A New Chapter Begins

By stepping into the political arena, Jay Feely is poised to leverage his unique background as an athlete and sports commentator while addressing critical issues facing his community. His journey from the football field to the political landscape exemplifies how personal and societal events can inspire individuals to seek change through civic engagement.

Feely’s announcement marks a significant moment in Arizona’s political scene, as he enters a race filled with potential opportunities and challenges. He is committed to shaping policies that reflect his values and the concerns of his constituents.