Jay Feely: From NFL Kicker to Congressional Candidate
In a surprising turn of events, former NFL kicker Jay Feely is trading in his microphone for a political platform. After a decade in the broadcast booth, Feely is stepping into the political arena, aiming to make a difference in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District. This move marks a significant shift in Feely’s career, as he transitions from sports to politics, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to serve.
Feely, who announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives during the 2026 midterm election, shared his plans with ESPN on Tuesday. He has already taken the first official step by filing a statement of interest with the Arizona secretary of state, a necessary move before he can start gathering signatures to secure his spot on the ballot. Later that day, Feely made a public announcement on social media, signaling his commitment to this new chapter.
“I’m excited about this next chapter of my life,” Feely expressed to ESPN. “I think that I feel God’s calling pressing me into service, and that’s really what I believe it is, is the civil service. I don’t believe we have enough politicians that get into political office not for self-serving measures and that get into political office and don’t want it to be a career, and that’s what I believe.”
At 48, Feely is ready to embrace this new role, having met with congressional Republicans in Washington, D.C., about a month ago. This meeting was not just for him but also for his wife, Rebecca, to understand the implications of a political life. With her support, Feely is fully committed to his decision.
Feely’s decision to run was influenced by the July assassination attempt on President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. He revealed that both Trump and Rep. Jim Jordan had previously encouraged him to run for Congress in 2022, but at that time, his children were still in high school. Now, with an empty nest, the timing feels right for Feely and his wife to embark on this journey.
Feely is vying for a seat that will be vacated by Rep. Andy Biggs, who has announced his candidacy for Arizona governor in 2026. Feely’s campaign will focus on key issues such as securing the southern border and strengthening the economy, areas he feels passionate about.
I’m so grateful for my 10 years at @CBSSports
They took a chance on a kicker and allowed me to be in the booth calling NFL games
(Only the 2nd K ever to do that after the legendary Pat Summerall)
I enjoyed every minute and I will miss the people I worked with the most— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) April 22, 2025
Feely’s journey from the field to the booth and now to politics is a testament to his versatility and drive. After a 14-year NFL career, during which he kicked for seven teams, including the Arizona Cardinals from 2010 to 2013, Feely retired following the 2014 season with the Chicago Bears. His time in the NFL, he believes, has equipped him with skills that will serve him well in Congress.
- Feely was an NFL Players Association player rep and served on the union’s executive committee, advocating for players’ rights to insurance.
- The pressure of being an NFL kicker has prepared him for the high-stakes environment of politics.
- A decade of broadcasting has honed his public speaking and communication skills, crucial for a congressman.
“And I think that’s one of your biggest jobs as a congressman is to be able to communicate to your constituents, be able to talk about the issues of the day and why you believe the way you believe and to be able to do it in a way that people can understand it,” Feely explained.
Feely is confident that his name recognition, coupled with the community work he and Rebecca have done, will bolster his candidacy. Throughout the last football season, Feely felt a growing sense of emptiness while broadcasting games, realizing that the challenge and purpose he once found in the role were fading.
“I felt that there was a calling to something greater and that there was a different platform that I wanted to try to utilize to have a positive impact on people,” Feely said. “I’ve always been involved in politics and done a lot of different events for different politicians, local and national, and I’ve always liked thinking about political issues and talking about political issues, so, that’s not new, but leaving broadcasting after I’d worked so hard to get where I was and to step aside, and to say I think there’s a greater calling, yeah, that was different for me.”
Originally Written by: Josh Weinfuss
