Longtime NFL placekicker turned CBS Sports game analyst Jay Feely may soon join the ranks of athletes and sports media personalities looking to enter the political arena. According to reports from the Washington Post and Arizona Republic, citing a local Republican strategist, Feely is “seriously considering” a run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Arizona’s 5th district next year. The seat is currently held by 66-year-old Rep. Andy Biggs, the former chairman of the far-right Freedom Caucus, who has recently announced his candidacy for Arizona governor in the upcoming election.
The Republic reports that Feely, who spent four years with the Arizona Cardinals and has lived in the state since retiring from the NFL, has built connections with President Donald Trump and local Republican leaders. Since joining CBS Sports in 2015, Feely has made significant strides as a game analyst, pioneering the special teams analyst role for NFL games. His unique focus on weather conditions, kickers’ range, and other elements has notably contributed to his career, culminating in his inclusion in the CBS broadcast team for Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, as mentioned in this article.
In recent years, notable figures such as former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, Heisman winner Herschel Walker, and former Baylor and Cowboys linebacker Colin Allred have pursued Congressional seats, placing Feely among prominent company. Republicans have maintained control of Arizona’s 5th district, encompassing significant portions of the East Valley of the Phoenix basin, for all but six years since its establishment in 1983. Reports indicate that 45 percent of registered voters in the district are Republicans. While Republican State Rep. Travis Grantham has already announced his candidacy to succeed Biggs, the backing Feely has garnered from both local and national supporters appears to enhance his chances of securing the nomination in this strongly Republican district.
