Former pro football kicker pledges to secure the border, defend American values, and restore conservative leadership in Washington
PHOENIX, AZ — Jay Feely, retired NFL kicker and former CBS Sports analyst, has officially announced his campaign for Congress in Arizona’s 5th District, running as a Republican with a firm commitment to America First policies, Christian values, and the legacy of President Donald J. Trump.
Feely, a household name for football fans and conservatives alike, is seeking to replace Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), who is pursuing a run for governor. With a background in professional sports, broadcasting, and community service, Feely brings name recognition, leadership experience, and a conservative agenda tailored for Arizona’s working families, retirees, and patriotic voters.
“I’m running for Congress to protect our freedoms, secure our border, and stand strong with President Trump to put America First,” Feely said in his campaign launch.
✅ A Proven Conservative Fighter with Arizona Roots
Feely spent over a decade in the NFL, including key seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons. After retiring from football in 2014, he spent ten years as a top sports analyst at CBS, building a reputation for clear communication, strong values, and leadership under pressure.
But Feely is more than an athlete. He served on the NFL Players Association Executive Committee, where he advocated for fairness and transparency in negotiations. Alongside his wife, he co-founded the Feely Family Foundation, which funds youth development, education programs, and Christian charitable work.
Feely has worked directly with nonprofit groups like Mission of Hope and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, underscoring his long-standing dedication to faith, family, and service.
🔥 Campaign Priorities: Faith, Freedom & National Security
Feely is running on a bold conservative platform that resonates with patriotic Arizonans, especially seniors, veterans, and working families:
- Secure the Southern Border: End illegal immigration and deploy federal resources to stop cartel-driven human trafficking and drug smuggling.
- Mass Deportations for Criminals: Remove violent illegal aliens from American communities.
- Ban Biological Males from Women’s Sports: Protect girls’ and women’s athletics from leftist gender ideology.
- Expand the Trump Tax Cuts: Keep more money in the hands of working Americans and retirees.
- Stand with Israel: Promote peace through strength in the Middle East.
- Achieve American Energy Independence: End Biden’s war on energy and unleash U.S. oil, gas, and nuclear power.
💬 Inspired by Trump’s Strength After Assassination Attempt
Feely revealed in a Fox News interview that he had long considered a run for office—but it was the attempted assassination of President Trump last summer that pushed him to act.
“That was the day I knew I had to step up,” Feely said. “When they tried to take President Trump’s life, I realized this country is under attack—not just politically, but morally and spiritually.”
🔵 Endorsed by Conservative Champion Jim Jordan
Feely has already earned the backing of Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), a leading voice in Congress for conservative reforms. He’ll face a primary challenge from former Arizona state Rep. Travis Grantham, but Feely’s national profile and strong conservative credentials are expected to energize GOP voters across the district.
🗳️ Final Word: From Gridiron to Government
Jay Feely joins the ranks of other former athletes who entered politics, such as Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY) and Sen. Bill Bradley (D-NJ). But Feely’s message is uniquely tailored to today’s conservative movement—one that values patriotism, faith, common sense, and America First leadership.
As Arizona prepares for 2026, Feely’s campaign is quickly becoming a rallying point for those who believe Washington is broken—and it’s time for tough, tested outsiders to clean it up.