Jay Feely, former Giants and Jets kicker says it was Donald Trump assassination attempt that inspired him to run for Congress in Arizona
Former Giants and Jets kicker Jay Feely enters politics, inspired by Trump assassination attempt (Credit: Getty Images)
Jay Feely
, known to NFL fans for his clutch field goals and his decade-long stint as a CBS Sports broadcaster, is stepping away from the commentary booth and launching a new chapter in his life—this time in politics. On Tuesday, the former NFL kicker officially announced his bid for Congress, entering the 2026 Republican primary for Arizona's 5th Congressional District. The seat, currently held by Rep. Andy Biggs, is set to open up as Biggs campaigns for Arizona governor.
Jay Feely explains what drove him from kicking in the NFL to campaigning in Arizona politics
Jay Feely's decision to run wasn't made lightly. A longtime observer of American politics, he cited a moment of national crisis as the turning point. '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,' Feely shared in a heartfelt interview with Fox News Digital. The attempted assassination of
Donald Trump
in 2024 wasn't just a jarring event for the country; for Feely, it was a spiritual and moral call to action.
With deep Arizona ties—having once suited up for the Arizona Cardinals—Feely brings more than sports fame to the table. Over his 14-season NFL career, he played for seven teams, including the Giants, Jets, Bears, and Dolphins. Since hanging up his cleats in 2014, he's been a familiar face on CBS Sports, becoming only the second kicker after Pat Summerall to transition into a lead NFL broadcaster role.
'I'm excited about this next chapter of my life,' Feely told 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.' He made it clear that he's not seeking a political career for personal gain, but rather to fulfill what he sees as a civic duty. 'I don't believe we have enough politicians that get into political office not for self-serving measures... I believe it is very much a civil service.'
Feely's experience isn't limited to football fields or broadcast booths. During his tenure on the NFL Players Association executive committee, he was directly involved in high-stakes negotiations during the 2011 lockout—a role he likens to the kind of deal-making needed in Congress. 'Those types of negotiations are similar to what goes on in the House and the Senate,' he said, expressing confidence in his readiness to navigate Washington's complex political landscape.
A proud conservative and an outspoken supporter of Donald Trump, Feely is joining a crowded GOP field. His main opponents include former House Speaker Pro Tempore Travis Grantham and Army veteran Alex Stovall. Yet, Feely has already secured a notable endorsement from Rep. Jim Jordan, the House Judiciary Committee Chairman. 'I'm honored to have the endorsement of Congressman @Jim_Jordan, a fearless conservative and unwavering champion of the America First agenda,' Feely wrote on X.
Feely's campaign message centers around issues crucial to Arizona voters, especially border security. He didn't hold back in criticizing the current administration's handling of illegal immigration. 'President Biden sat by and let tens of millions of illegals come into our country and he could have taken the measures that President Trump did in three months,' he asserted, holding the administration accountable for what he sees as preventable failures.
Beyond the issues and endorsements, Feely also took a moment to reflect on his departure from CBS. In a heartfelt message, he thanked his colleagues and mentors, writing, 'I'm so grateful for my 10 years at CBS Sports. They took a chance on a kicker... I enjoyed every minute and I will miss the people I worked with the most.'
Jay Feely's foray into politics may surprise some, but to those who've followed his journey—from the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the NFL to the bright lights of broadcast journalism—it feels like a natural evolution. Whether he can convert that momentum into a seat in Congress remains to be seen, but one thing's for certain: Feely is kicking off his campaign with conviction, clarity, and a deep commitment to public service.
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