Ex-NFL Star Jay Feely Sets Sights on Political Career in Arizona
In a move that combines sports and politics, former NFL kicker Jay Feely has declared his intention to run for a seat in Congress. Feely, who spent 14 years playing professional football and is well known for his time with the Arizona Cardinals, is eyeing a position in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.
Feely’s entry into the race comes as Republican Congressman Andy Biggs launches his campaign for governor, leaving an open seat in the heavily Republican district. Transitioning from a football analyst role at CBS, Feely is now venturing into the political arena.
“When I think of politics, we need more politicians that don’t want to get into office to be self-serving,” Feely remarked during his campaign launch at Agritopia in Gilbert. “We need more politicians to get into office that don’t want to do it for a career. I don’t want to do it for a career.”
An avid supporter of former President Donald Trump, Feely has pledged allegiance to Trump’s policies. His platform echoes many of the Trump administration’s objectives, including economic strategies that have faced criticism due to tariff-related challenges.
He urged his supporters to remain confident in Trump’s economic leadership, stating, “I think we all need to have patience and trust in President Trump and his economic team that they care about the average everyday American. It’s not necessarily just about the stock market.”
Despite his support for the administration, Feely expressed concerns about national debt, opposing plans that could increase it significantly. He emphasized, “Well, I’m somebody who’s going to continue to push the notion that we have to reduce our spending. We don’t have a revenue problem in the U.S. We have a spending problem.”
On immigration, Feely backs the Trump administration’s stringent deportation policies, which have sometimes affected legally residing immigrants. However, he also advocates for a more efficient legal immigration process, drawing from personal experiences like assisting a young Haitian man named Delmonte to secure a U.S. visa and education.
Feely highlighted, “I think we should have an easier legal immigration process. It should be streamlined.”
As the GOP primary for Biggs’ successor heats up, Feely joins a growing list of Republican candidates, including former state lawmaker Travis Grantham. Although Feely has not confirmed endorsements from Trump or Biggs, he acknowledged encouragement from Trump and support from Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan.
For more details on the potential economic impacts of Trump-supported policies, read this analysis on federal budget plans. Additionally, insights into the administration’s immigration policies can be found here.
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