PHOENIX – Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely officially announced his campaign for Congress on Tuesday.
The kicker turned commentator said he wants to represent Arizona’s 5th Congressional District during a Gilbert event.
“I truly believe that God has brought me down that path and he wants me to serve,” Feely said. “We need more politicians that don’t want to get into office to be self-serving.”
What part of Arizona does Jay Feely want to represent?
Republican Rep. Andy Biggs has held the seat since 2016 but filed a statement of interest to run for Arizona governor in 2026. President Donald Trump endorsed Biggs on Monday.
Arizona’s 5th Congressional District is comprised of Gilbert, Queen Creek, southern and eastern Chandler and eastern Mesa.
Former Republican Rep. Travis Grantham has also announced he is running for Biggs’ seat.
Feely, 48, said the day of Trump’s first assassination attempt was the day he seriously considered running for office.
“He was wealthy, he was a TV success, he was a star everywhere he went, people loved him, he didn’t need politics, but he cared enough about the American people that he was willing to sacrifice for the American people, and sacrifice he did,” Feely said.
“I honestly don’t believe the sacrifices he knew he would have to make for our country when he first did that, but he endured the largest smear campaign we’ve ever seen in politics. A consorted plan by the mainstream media and Democratic machine to usurp the will of the American people.”
Feely, a Republican, also accused Democrats of killing the American dream.
“In Washington under President Trump’s leadership, we will not only restore the American dream, but it will shine brighter than it ever has before,” Feely said.
He also vowed to support the Arizona economy if voted into Congress.
“Arizona’s already in the cornerstone of America’s economic engine and national defense, but we’re just getting started,” Feely said. “We must continue to bring new industry into the state to provide jobs, provide opportunity, and give American families the ability to provide for themselves.”
Also says Democrats have killed the American dream, says he wants to cut spending…Again adding he aims to support President Trump’s leadership. pic.twitter.com/5PRPgnilu0
— Balin Overstolz (@balin_om) April 22, 2025
Earlier this month, Feely told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos that he made his decision after speaking with officials in Washington, D.C.
“I’m intrigued because I think we need more people to get into political office that aren’t getting in it for their own personal gain,” Feely said. “They truly want to serve, and they aren’t going to do it as a career. I don’t believe political office should be a career. It should be a service to the people that you’re representing.”
Feely also said Trump had previously asked him to run for Congress, but the timing did not make sense for him or his family at the time.
“They’ve been talking to me about it for two or three years, and a couple years ago wasn’t the right time,” Feely said. “I had two kids at home. I’m gonna have one next year, but we’re gonna be empty nesters after that, so that’s why my wife and I are thinking about it.”
Who is Jay Feely?
Feely currently works as a commentator for CBS Sports, covering college football and the NFL as an analyst since 2015.
Feely played for the Cardinals from 2010 to 2013 and finished his 14-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears in 2014. He played for six NFL teams after beginning his career with the Florida Bobcats of the Arena Football League (AFL).
According to Spotrac, Feely earned more than $17.5 million during his career as an NFL player.
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