Latest news with #Feely
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Jay Feely, former NFL kicker and current broadcaster wants Stephen A. Smith to run for President
Jay Feely suggests Stephen A. Smith should run for president. (Credit: Getty Images0 Former NFL kicker and current Arizona congressional candidate Jay Feely has found himself not only defending his conservative values but also advocating for an unconventional voice from across the aisle—ESPN's Stephen A. Smith . During a candid appearance on NewsNation's The Hill, Feely made headlines by expressing enthusiasm for Smith's potential run for the 2028 presidential election as a Democrat, calling him an 'excellent communicator' with the ability to make a 'gut value connection' with Americans. Stephen A. Smith gets unexpected presidential endorsement from ex-NFL kicker Jay Feely Jay Feely, who recently launched a congressional campaign to replace Rep. Andy Biggs in Arizona's 5th District, believes that American politics is in dire need of individuals who aren't molded by the traditional political establishment. His support for Stephen A. Smith, though they likely hold opposing views, was rooted in his belief in the power of communication and authenticity. 'I respect his talent that he has in communicating, because he is an excellent communicator, and he has a way of making that gut value connection with people,' Feely said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo 'I would revel in sitting on the opposite side of Stephen A. Smith on a debate stage and us going at it when it comes to political issues and matters that the American people really care about, rather than just sports issues,' he added. His comment wasn't just about admiration—it was a nod to the deeper need for honest, passionate dialogue in today's political climate. While Feely is a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump , he insists that political affiliation is secondary to character and conviction. 'It's really about being able to have a vision, communicate that vision and for American people to believe in you,' he stated. 'I think what the American people want the most, they want transparency, and they want people to be honest about what they believe.' A former NFL journeyman who played for teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals, Feely transitioned into a media role as a sports analyst after retiring from football. However, it was a near-tragic moment—the attempted assassination of Trump at a campaign rally—that served as the turning point for Feely. It made him rethink his place in American democracy and compelled him to take action. 'What he's trying to do, to get rid of [diversity, equity and inclusion], to change … gender laws and protect our girls, should be applauded by everyone,' Feely said of Trump. 'And you know, I'll be one of those guys that fights for his agenda, believes in his agenda and is an advocate for him.' Feely's campaign emphasizes service over self-interest, echoing his approach during his NFL days. 'That's what I did when I was playing football, trying to use that platform. That's what I'll do when I'm in politics in Congress, is try to represent my constituents and represent this country and try to make us better.' With roots deeply planted in Arizona and a passion for pushing the country forward, Feely is not only shaking up the race with his candidacy but also with his unexpected support for voices like Smith's. Whether across the field or across the aisle, Feely believes that the future of politics lies in sincerity, substance, and the courage to break the mold. Also Read: Stephen A. Smith shuts down hopes of Shedeur Sanders starting for Browns in Week 1
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former NFL kicker Jay Feely says Stephen A. Smith should run for president
Former NFL kicker Jay Feely made the case for Stephen A. Smith to run as a Democrat in the next presidential election. Feely, who launched a congressional bid for an open seat in Arizona, joined NewsNation's 'The Hill' on Wednesday to discuss the Trump administration and future races. Host Blake Burman asked him about political outsider ESPN host Stephen A. Smith, who has thrown around the idea of running in the 2028 election. 'I respect his talent that he has in communicating, because he is an excellent communicator, and he has a way of making that gut value connection with people,' Feely said. 'I would revel in sitting on the opposite side of Stephen A. Smith on a debate stage and us going at it when it comes to political issues and matters that the American people really care about, rather than just sports issues,' he added. Feely was an advocate for non-traditional people entering politics, like Smith, and those who know how to communicate well. 'It's really about being able to have a vision, communicate that vision and for American people to believe in you,' he said. 'I think what the American people want the most, they want transparency, and they want people to be honest about what they believe.' Feely announced his congressional campaign last week. He's running to succeed Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), who is looking to be the state's next governor. Feely played in the NFL for more than 10 years for various teams including the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals. He later became a sports analyst. He's a supporter of President Trump and said Wednesday that he loves what the president has done during his first 100 days back in office. Feely highlighted the administration's efforts to secure the border and crackdown on immigration, in addition to other measures. 'What he's trying to do, to get rid of [diversity, equity and inclusion], to change … gender laws and protect our girls, should be applauded by everyone,' he said. 'And you know, I'll be one of those guys that fights for his agenda, believes in his agenda and is an advocate for him.' Feely said he was upset by various things happening across the country but it wasn't until Trump was nearly assassinated at a campaign rally last year that he started to think about what more he could do and seriously considered running for office. Feely has lived in Arizona for many years and valued the community in Bigg's 5th Congressional District. 'I wanted to do something that had more meaning, and I felt like running for office was the time now,' he said. He made a case for a political outsider like him to enter the sphere because there must be fewer self-serving politicians and more civil servants. 'That what I've done my whole life. That's what I did when I was playing football, trying to use that platform. That's what I'll do when I'm in politics in Congress, is try to represent my constituents and represent this country and try to make us better,' Feely said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Former NFL kicker Jay Feely says Stephen A. Smith should run for president
Former NFL kicker Jay Feely made the case for Stephen A. Smith to run as a Democrat in the next presidential election. Feely, who launched a congressional bid for an open seat in Arizona, joined NewsNation's 'The Hill' on Wednesday to discuss the Trump administration and future races. Host Blake Burman asked him about political outsider ESPN host Stephen A. Smith, who has thrown around the idea of running in the 2028 election. 'I respect his talent that he has in communicating, because he is an excellent communicator, and he has a way of making that gut value connection with people,' Feely said. 'I would revel in sitting on the opposite side of Stephen A. Smith on a debate stage and us going at it when it comes to political issues and matters that the American people really care about, rather than just sports issues,' he added. Feely was an advocate for non-traditional people entering politics, like Smith, and those who know how to communicate well. 'It's really about being able to have a vision, communicate that vision and for American people to believe in you,' he said. 'I think what the American people want the most, they want transparency, and they want people to be honest about what they believe.' Feely announced his congressional campaign last week. He's running to succeed Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), who is looking to be the state's next governor. Feely played in the NFL for more than 10 years for various teams including the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals. He later became a sports analyst. He's a supporter of President Trump and said Wednesday that he loves what the president has done during his first 100 days back in office. Feely highlighted the administration's efforts to secure the border and crackdown on immigration, in addition to other measures. 'What he's trying to do, to get rid of [diversity, equity and inclusion], to change … gender laws and protect our girls, should be applauded by everyone,' he said. 'And you know, I'll be one of those guys that fights for his agenda, believes in his agenda and is an advocate for him.' Feely said he was upset by various things happening across the country but it wasn't until Trump was nearly assassinated at a campaign rally last year that he started to think about what more he could do and seriously considered running for office. Feely has lived in Arizona for many years and valued the community in Bigg's 5th Congressional District. 'I wanted to do something that had more meaning, and I felt like running for office was the time now,' he said. He made a case for a political outsider like him to enter the sphere because there must be fewer self-serving politicians and more civil servants. 'That what I've done my whole life. That's what I did when I was playing football, trying to use that platform. That's what I'll do when I'm in politics in Congress, is try to represent my constituents and represent this country and try to make us better,' Feely said.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump supporter, former NFL kicker Jay Feely runs in Arizona GOP congressional primary
April 23 (UPI) -- Former New York Giants kicker Jay Feely said Tuesday he is running in a GOP Arizona congressional primary. He has no political experience, but the Trump follower said God called him to run in the solidly Republican district. Feely will run in the 5th Congressional District of Arizona for a seat held now by Andy Biggs. Biggs has announced he will run for governor in 2026. 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." A statement posted on his campaign website said, "Former NFL kicker Jay Feely is trading in the gridiron for the halls of Congress. A proud conservative and staunch supporter of President Donald Trump, Feely is running in Arizona's 5th Congressional District to fight for border security, protect our freedoms, and put America First." Feely has not demonstrated any deep knowledge of issues Congress faces, but he said he's running in part on the Trump vision for America. "The contrast between the two parties has never been sharper," Feely said. "The vision for America, what we value, what we teach our children, how we define freedom, faith and responsibility -- it couldn't be more different." He said Trump getting shot inspired him to run. In 2018, Feely apologized for a social media post of himself holding a gun and smiling as he stood between his daughter and her prom date. Feeley practiced professional football with the New York Giants and also was a kicker for five other teams between 2001-14. After that, he joined CBS Sports as a football analyst.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ex-NFL Kicker Jay Feely Credits 1 Trump Moment For Inspiring His Run For Congress
Former NFL kicker and Donald Trump supporter Jay Feely said the moment Trump survived an assassination attempt inspired him to seek political office. On Tuesday in Arizona, the ex-New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals player announced he was running for a U.S. House of Representatives seat in the 2026 midterms. He's vying for the 5th District post being vacated by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), who's running for governor. In a video shared by Cactus Politics, Feely said he discussed a run for office with Trump and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) at Mar-a-Lago two years ago, but it 'wasn't the right time.' He started to reconsider after Trump's ear was grazed by a gunman's bullet in Pennsylvania last summer. 'You see somebody who's willing to literally, intentionally give their life for our country, you start asking yourself, what am I doing and can I do more?' Feely said. 'And that's, I think, where my heart started to, like, lean towards running for office and actually thinking about it and praying about it,' he added. In an interview with Fox News, Feely applauded the Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants and accused former President Joe Biden of sitting by as 'tens of millions of illegals come into our country and he could have taken the measures that President Trump did in three months.' Some of the immigrants Trump has targeted in the last three months are in the country legally, and his administration has defiedthe courts in carrying out the deportations. Feely, who has spent several seasons covering football for CBS, also gave a shout-out to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for keeping Republicans 'united' behind Trump's 'endeavors to fix the border and fix our economy.' Trump has, however, conducted a market-rattling tariff trade war while intimidating Fed Chair Jerome Powell ― both of which have eroded financial trust in the country. Harrison Butker Is Asked What He Thinks Of 'Gays' At Super Bowl Presser Laura Ingraham Roasted For Asking Harrison Butker This Question About Donald Trump Harrison Butker Warns 'God Is Not Mocked' Over Drag Queens At Olympic Ceremony
