Eight former NFL football players that turned to Politics after their playing career

Several NFL football players have transitioned from the gridiron to roles in politics, leveraging their fame, leadership skills, and public platforms to influence government and public policy. Here are some notable examples:

1. Jack Kemp

• Position in NFL: Quarterback
• Teams: San Diego Chargers, Buffalo Bills
• Political Career: Kemp served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1971 to 1989. He was the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George H.W. Bush and was the Republican Vice Presidential nominee in 1996.

2. Steve Largent

• Position in NFL: Wide Receiver
• Team: Seattle Seahawks
• Political Career: Largent served as a U.S. Representative from Oklahoma from 1994 to 2002. He later ran for Governor of Oklahoma in 2002.

3. Heath Shuler

• Position in NFL: Quarterback
• Teams: Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders), New Orleans Saints
• Political Career: Shuler served as a U.S. Representative from North Carolina from 2007 to 2013. He was known for his role in the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative Democrats.

4. Jon Runyan

• Position in NFL: Offensive Tackle
• Teams: Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers
• Political Career: Runyan served as a U.S. Representative from New Jersey from 2011 to 2015. He later became the NFL’s Vice President of Policy and Rules Administration.

5. Anthony Gonzalez

• Position in NFL: Wide Receiver
• Team: Indianapolis Colts
• Political Career: Gonzalez serves as a U.S. Representative from Ohio, first elected in 2018. He has focused on technology and economic policy issues.

6. Colin Allred

• Position in NFL: Linebacker
• Team: Tennessee Titans
• Political Career: Allred serves as a U.S. Representative from Texas, first elected in 2018. He has focused on issues such as healthcare, veterans’ affairs, and civil rights.

7. Alan Page

• Position in NFL: Defensive Tackle
• Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears
• Political Career: After retiring from football, Page earned a law degree and served as an Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court from 1993 to 2015. He is known for his work in education and civil rights.

8. Burgess Owens

• Position in NFL: Safety
• Teams: New York Jets, Oakland Raiders
• Political Career: Owens serves as a U.S. Representative from Utah, first elected in 2020. He has been active in education and economic policy.

These players have successfully leveraged their NFL careers into political roles, demonstrating the diverse skills and leadership qualities that professional athletes can bring to public service.