2026-07-25T06:00:59-04:00 / 福克斯新闻
前NFL踢球手杰伊·菲利赢得亚利桑那州共和党初选
亚利桑那州联邦众议员共和党人杰伊·菲利庆祝自己赢得国会初选胜利，这将使其与民主党人阿米什·沙阿医生展开一场特殊的大选对决——沙阿曾是他在纽约喷气机队的队医。菲利指出了两人在政治上的根本分歧，批评沙阿支持单一 payer 医保体系、废除资本主义以及《绿色新政》。
前NFL弃踢兼踢球手杰伊·菲利是最新一位有望转型国会职业生涯的职业运动员，而领导力、承压能力和应对公众审视在体育和政坛两大领域都至关重要。
福克斯新闻数字频道联系了曾效力纽约巨人队和亚利桑那红雀队，之后成为“CBS NFL解说”评论员的菲利，请他谈谈为何职业体育经历让他为公共生活做好准备，如今他正角逐即将退休的亚利桑那州联邦众议员大卫·施魏克特的席位。
“尤其是作为一名踢球手——要在NFL成为成功的踢球手，你必须能够承受压力，也必须能够应对失败。我认为这两种特质非常实在，能帮助你在政坛立足并发挥效力，”菲利周五在接受福克斯新闻数字频道采访时表示。
他表示，NFL生涯让他接触过来自不同背景和观点的队友，帮助他做好了代表多元化选民群体的准备。
局势一览：在共和党微弱多数优势下，民主党人争夺关键亚利桑那州众议院席位
“[作为NFL球员]最大的优势在于，你能身处打破种族壁垒的更衣室里，展开对话，认识那些你本可能永远不会结识的人。”
他回忆起在东卢瑟福的巨人队期间，与莱瓦尔·阿林顿和布兰登·肖特同住一间宿舍的经历，两人一起下棋和玩其他游戏，分享各自不同的人生经历和个人观点。
NFL传奇人物帕特里克·彼得森称更衣室政治讨论“毫无必要”，大多数球员信息闭塞
“你的职责是代表所有人，我认为这些经历无疑是一笔财富，”菲利说道。
他还提到了一场在林肯金融球场（以客队氛围恶劣著称）的比赛，那是在他对阵西雅图海鹰队遭遇“职业生涯最糟糕比赛”之后不久。
前一晚他还在《周六夜现场》节目中被恶搞，而在他准备踢一记看似会被暂停战术干扰的制胜任意球时，费城队在巨型电子屏幕上播放了他在西雅图比赛中射失点球的片段来嘲讽他。
橄榄球名人堂成员托尼·邓吉在明尼苏达州共和党联邦参议员初选拥挤阵营中支持米歇尔·塔福亚
“他们试图动摇我的心志，但我还是踢进了那个球，我的职业生涯又延续了九年——你能从这些经历中学到很多，”菲利说道。
菲利补充道，他通过美国国家橄榄球球员工会（NFLPA）结识了另一位从运动员转型为公职人员的人。
“体育界人士之间有太多相似之处，我在体育界认识的很多优秀人士都曾考虑过从政，”他在谈到与前华盛顿红皮队球员、现任住房和城市发展部部长斯科特·特纳的共事经历时表示。
他表示，自己也希望看到其他无论政见如何的运动员，能像新奥尔良圣徒队前球员德鲁·布里斯和本杰明·沃森那样，为身边的议题发声行动。
菲利将迎战前州众议员阿米什·沙阿（民主党，凤凰城），沙阿也曾在纽约喷气机队担任了约两年的队医。
就在二十多年前，现任住房和城市发展部部长斯科特·特纳还在NFL的球场上，担任华盛顿红皮队和随后的圣地亚哥闪电队的角卫。
他在球场上学到的技能和经验帮助他在新的住房和城市发展部岗位上成长，在此之前他还曾在得克萨斯州众议院任职。
“是上帝用橄榄球改变了我的人生轨迹，通过这项运动，”特纳告诉福克斯新闻数字频道。
“他教给我的那些道理，至今仍在指引着我每天投身公共服务：纪律、团队合作、坚韧、谦逊，以及为超越自身的使命而奋斗。”
“这些价值观指导着我在得克萨斯州州议会的履职方式，以及如今在住房和城市发展部的领导方式。我的球队经历塑造了我的领导风格、服务方式，以及我希望为下一代树立的榜样。”
堪萨斯州联邦众议员民主党人莎丽丝·戴维斯在转战国会山之前，曾拥有一段成功的综合格斗生涯。
戴维斯曾参加《终极斗士》选拔，业余战绩为5胜1负，2013年短暂转战职业综合格斗赛场，战绩为1胜1负。
“事实证明，被人打脸很能为进入国会做好准备，”戴维斯周五对福克斯新闻数字频道说道。
她最初离开八角笼是为了支持原住民社区，专注于社区发展和为原住民扩大经济机会。
戴维斯后来在2018年国会选举中爆冷击败共和党现任议员凯文·约德，在这个以红色州著称的选区赢得席位。
“但实际上，职业格斗教会我，你不能靠拳头解决所有挑战。你必须保持自律、努力工作、尊重对手，并且不断前进——这也是我如今对待这份工作的方式，”她告诉福克斯新闻数字频道。
前奥本大学老虎队主教练汤米·图伯维尔在作为主教练取得一系列出色战绩后，于2021年转型进入美国参议院。
这位如今正竞选阿拉巴马州州长的共和党人未就本文置评，但他在2020年曾谈到体育成功与从政之间的相似之处。
当被问及当时对阵现任民主党参议员道格·琼斯的竞选活动进行了11个月时，图伯维尔告诉《阿拉巴马每日新闻》，他必须像橄榄球教练一样“全速推进”。
“我们组建了一支很棒、很棒的团队。很多人在我刚开始的时候就对我说，教练，这就和当主教练一样。你身边的团队有多优秀，你就有多优秀，”他说道。
上世纪最知名的共和党人物之一是前住房和城市发展部部长、前国会议员杰克·坎普。
坎普的政治巅峰出现在1996年，他作为堪萨斯州联邦参议员鲍勃·多尔的副总统竞选搭档，挑战时任总统比尔·克林顿。
在此之前，坎普曾在老布什政府时期领导过特纳如今负责的同一部门，此前他还在纽约西部担任了近20年的国会议员。
不过，坎普的第一个公职角色是在20世纪50年代和60年代作为一名漂泊不定的NFL四分卫。他曾效力于匹兹堡钢人队、洛杉矶闪电队和布法罗比尔队等球队，还曾在加拿大橄榄球联盟的卡尔加里奔骑兵队效力过一段时间。
NFL专员罗杰·古德尔——其父亲查尔斯·古德尔在20世纪60年代作为共和党议员代表坎普所在的选区——曾援引古德尔的话称坎普是“一位非凡的美国领袖，在布法罗比尔队的MVP职业生涯结束后，他成为了无数NFL老板、球队高管和专员们值得信赖的同事和挚友”。
2009年去世的坎普曾表示，职业橄榄球为他从政提供了“良好的视角”。
“当我进入政坛时，我已经经历过被喝倒彩、被欢呼、被裁掉、被出售、被交易，以及被人像肖像一样悬挂起来嘲讽，”他根据比尔队的记录说道。
目前国会中唯一一位有NFL经历的现任议员是来自犹他州的即将退休的共和党众议员伯吉斯·欧文斯。
欧文斯曾是纽约喷气机队的安全卫，他偶尔会提及自己的NFL生涯，主要是批评体育领域的政治化倾向。
在球员们为抗议国歌下跪期间，他曾告诉福克斯商业频道，他将抵制比赛直到古德尔被解雇。
“我受够了，”他在2020年对主持人大卫·阿斯曼说道。“是时候让这些赚着数百万美元的年轻人说声谢谢[并尊重这个国家]了。”
欧文斯未回应置评请求。
前费城老鹰队长期进攻截锋乔恩·伦扬 Sr.也将其球员生涯转化为了国会山的职业生涯。
这位共和党人在南泽西部分地区担任了两届国会议员，该选区如今由新泽西州民主党众议员赫伯·康韦代表，覆盖松木荒地和费城郊区部分区域。
伦扬目前担任NFL政策与规则副总裁，他的儿子小乔恩·伦扬是巨人队的护锋。他未回应置评请求。
另一位转型国会的NFC东区球员是前北卡罗来纳州联邦众议员希思·舒勒（民主党）。
舒勒曾为现名为华盛顿指挥官队的球队担任四分卫，2006年将其球员生涯转化为国会职业生涯，之后由后来成为唐纳德·特朗普总统亲密盟友的共和党人马克·梅多斯接任。
前田纳西泰坦队球员科林·奥尔雷德也进入了国会，任职至2025年。
本届选举周期中，他在角逐约翰·康yn参议员的席位时，挑战州众议员詹姆斯·塔莱里科和得克萨斯州联邦众议员贾斯敏·克罗克特均以失败告终。
康yn今年早些时候在初选中输给了得克萨斯州总检察长肯·帕克斯顿，后者目前正对阵塔莱里科。
还有其他几位知名议员也曾是职业运动员。
印第安纳州共和党众议员安东尼·冈萨雷斯因投票弹劾特朗普引发政治风波，于2022年选择不寻求连任，他曾是印第安纳波利斯小马队的外接手。
前西雅图海鹰队外接手史蒂夫·拉伦特——NFL名人堂成员——后来代表俄克拉荷马州进入国会。
前费城费城人队投手吉姆·本宁随后拥有了漫长的政治生涯。
他于1979年当选肯塔基州参议员，1986年进入国会，1999年又当选美国参议员。
该席位目前由肯塔基州联邦参议员兰德·保罗（共和党）持有。
纽约尼克斯队球星比尔·布拉德利——其24号球衣已在麦迪逊广场花园退役——于上世纪80年代和90年代作为民主党人代表新泽西州进入美国参议院。
他还曾挑战前田纳西州联邦参议员阿尔·戈尔，未能成功获得总统初选提名。
前内布拉斯加州玉米剥皮人队主教练汤姆·奥斯本——曾短暂为红皮队效力——也于21世纪初代表其大学所在的内布拉斯加州进入国会。
前宾夕法尼亚州联邦众议员亚当·怀恩特在职业橄榄球早期拥有10年职业生涯，19世纪90年代效力于格林斯堡体育协会队。
拉弗恩·迪尔韦格是早期的绿湾包装工队球员，于20世纪20年代和30年代作为民主党人代表威斯康星州进入国会。
前亚利桑那州民主党众议员莫·尤德尔——其家族在整个落基山脉地区被视为政治名门——在短暂效力丹佛掘金队后，在国会任职了三十年。
奥运会十项全能金牌得主鲍勃·马蒂亚斯在赫尔辛基奥运会后返回美国，自1967年起作为共和党人代表加利福尼亚州任职约十年。
From locker rooms to Congress: Jay Feely latest athlete seeking to take lessons in leadership to Capitol Hill
2026-07-25T06:00:59-04:00 / Fox News
Ex-NFL kicker Jay Feely wins Arizona GOP primary
Former NFL kicker Jay Feely, R-Ariz., celebrates his congressional primary win, setting up a unique general election battle against Democrat Dr. Amish Shah, his former New York Jets team doctor. Feely outlines their fundamental political differences, criticizing Shah’s support for single-payer healthcare, abolishing capitalism, and the Green New Deal.
Former NFL placekicker Jay Feely is the latest professional athlete poised to transition to a congressional career, where leadership, performing under pressure and handling public scrutiny are essential in both arenas.
Fox News Digital reached out to Feely, who spent time with the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals before becoming an “NFL on CBS” commentator, for his take on why professional sports prepared him for public life as he seeks the seat of retiring Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz.
“Especially as a kicker — to be a successful kicker in the NFL, you have to be able to handle pressure, and you have be able handle failure. And I think those two attributes are very tangible attributes that will help you as you try to navigate the political field and try to be effective,” Feely said Friday in an interview with Fox News Digital.
He said the NFL also exposed him to teammates from different backgrounds and viewpoints, helping prepare him to represent a diverse constituency.
STATE OF PLAY: DEMS BATTLE FOR SHOT AT CRUCIAL ARIZONA HOUSE SEAT AMID GOP’S RAZOR-THIN MAJORITY
Giants place kicker Jay Feely kicks the game winning field goal in overtime during the game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Sunday, December 11, 2005(Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
“[T]he greatest advantage of being an NFL player was to be in those locker rooms where racial walls were broken down and conversations happened and you got to know people which otherwise you might not ever get to know.”
He recalled rooming with LeVar Arrington and Brandon Short while with the Giants in East Rutherford, sharing stories about their different life experiences and personal views as they played chess and other games.
NFL GREAT PATRICK PETERSON SAYS LOCKER ROOM POLITICAL DISCOURSE WAS ‘UNNECESSARY,’ MOST PLAYERS ARE UNINFORMED
CBS Sports sideline reporter Jay Feely during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Chargers 21-16.(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
“Your job is to represent everybody and i think those experiences certainly are an asset,” Feely said.
He also mentioned a trip to the infamously unfriendly confines of Lincoln Financial Field to play the Philadelphia Eagles right after the “worst game of [his] career” against the Seahawks.
The prior night he had been “spoofed” on “Saturday Night Live,” and while preparing for what was a game-winning kick after an apparent icing timeout, Philadelphia played a montage of his Seattle misses on the Jumbotron to mock him.
HALL OF FAMER TONY DUNGY ENDORSES MICHELE TAFOYA IN CROWDED MINNESOTA REPUBLICAN PRIMARY FOR U.S. SENATE
Kicker Jay Feely of the Arizona Cardinals celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal in overtime against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 1, 2012. The Cardinals defeated the Seahawks 23-20 in overtime.(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“They tried to deter me, but I made the kick and my career goes on for another nine years – you learn a lot through those processes,” Feely said.
Feely added that he got to know another athlete-turned-public official through their time with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
“There’s so many different correlations with the people in sports, and a lot of the best people I know that I met in sports have thought about getting into politics,” he said, reflecting on his time working with HUD Secretary Scott Turner, a former Washington Redskin.
He said he also hopes to see other athletes regardless of viewpoint who have acted on issues close to them, like former New Orleans Saints Drew Brees and Benjamin Watson.
Feely will face former state Rep. Amish Shah, D-Phoenix, who also worked for about two years as the New York Jets’ team doctor.
Scott Turner is seen in Redskins red on the field in 1995(Joseph Patronite/Getty Images)
Just over two decades ago, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner was on the NFL gridiron, playing cornerback for the Washington Redskins and then-San Diego Chargers.
The skills and lessons learned on the field helped Turner grow into his new role at HUD, which was also preceded by a stint in the Texas House of Representatives.
“The Lord used football to change the course of my life, and through the game,” Turner told Fox News Digital.
“He taught me lessons that continue to guide me every day in public service: discipline, teamwork, perseverance, humility, and working toward a mission bigger than yourself.”
“Those values inform how I served in the Texas state legislature and how I lead HUD today. My experience on football teams shaped how I lead, how I serve, and the example I hope to set for the next generation.”
Democrat house candidate Sharice Davids reacts as she gives a victory speech to supporters at a victory party in Olathe, Kan., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. Davids defeated Republican incumbent Kevin Yoder to win the Kansas’ 3rd Congressional District seat. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kan., had a successful mixed martial arts career before shifting from dodging fists to political blows on Capitol Hill.
Davids, who tried out for “The Ultimate Fighter,” compiled a 5-1 amateur record before a brief professional MMA career in 2013, when she went 1-1.
“Turns out getting punched in the face is pretty good preparation for Congress,” Davids told Fox News Digital on Friday.
She first left the octagon to support Native American communities, focusing on community development and expanding economic opportunities for Native people.
Davids later won her 2018 congressional bid in an upset against Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Kan., in the largely red state.
“But really, fighting professionally taught me that you don’t solve every challenge by throwing punches. You have to stay disciplined, work hard, respect your opponent, and keep moving forward — and that’s how I approach this job, too,” she told Fox News Digital.
Closeup of Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville during game vs Tennessee, Atlanta, GA on Dec. 4, 2004.(Bob Rosato/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Former Auburn Tigers Coach Tommy Tuberville transitioned to the U.S. Senate in 2021 after compiling a slew of outstanding stats as a head coach.
The Republican — now running for governor of Alabama — declined comment for this story but spoke in 2020 about the parallels between success in athletics and government.
Asked about his then-11-month campaign against incumbent Democrat Sen. Doug Jones, Tuberville told the Alabama Daily News he had to approach it at “full speed” just like a football coach.
“We put together a good, good team. And a lot of people told me when I first got started they said, coach, this is just like being a head coach. You’re only as good as the team around you,” he said.
ST PETERSBURG, FL – OCTOBER 9: Republican vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp(L) shakes hands with US Vice President Al Gore(R) moments before initiating their debate at the Mahaffey Theater at the Bayfront Center in St Petersburg, Florida 09 October. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) (Photo credit should read ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)(ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
One of the most recognizable Republican figures of the last century was former HUD Secretary and former Congressman Jack Kemp.
Kemp’s political peak came in 1996 when he was the vice presidential running mate of Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., against President Bill Clinton.
Jack Kemp, No. 15, of the Buffalo Bills passes against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1966 AFL Championship Game on Jan. 1, 1967, in Buffalo, N.Y.(Herb Scharfman/Sports Imagery/Getty Images)
Prior to that, Kemp led the same agency Turner did under the first Bush administration, and previously represented western New York in Congress for almost 20 years.
Kemp’s first public role, however, was as a journeyman NFL quarterback in the 1950s and 1960s. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills, among others, and also spent time in the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampeders.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell — whose father Charles Goodell represented Kemp’s area as a Republican in Congress in the 1960s — was quoted as calling Kemp an “extraordinary American leader who became a trusted colleague and exceptional friend to countless NFL owners, team personnel and commissioners after his MVP playing career with the Buffalo Bills.”
Kemp, who died in 2009, said that professional football gave him a “good perspective” for politics.
“When I entered the political arena, I had already been booed, cheered, cut, sold, traded, and hung in effigy,” he said, according to the Bills.
Burgess Owens, right, defends for the New York Jets against the Denver Broncos.(Denver Post via Getty Images)
The only active member of Congress with an NFL history is Rep. Burgess Owens, a retiring Republican from Utah.
Owens, a former New York Jets safety, has alluded to his NFL career at times, largely focusing on criticizing the politicization of sports.
He previously told Fox Business during a time when players were kneeling for the national anthem that he would be boycotting games until Goodell was fired.
“I’m done,” he told host David Asman in 2020. “It’s time for these young men who make millions of dollars to say thank you [and respect the country].”
Owens did not respond to a request for comment.
Jon Runyan with the Philadelphia Eagles is seen.(George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Former longtime Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan Sr. also parlayed his playing career into one on Capitol Hill.
The Republican represented part of South Jersey for two terms in a district now represented by Rep. Herb Conaway, D-N.J., that covers part of the Pine Barrens and Philadelphia suburbs.
Runyan is now a vice president of policy and rules with the NFL and his son Jon Jr. is a guard with the Giants. He did not respond to a request for comment.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JULY 24: (L-R)Connie Mack, Rob Kauffman, and Heath Shuler pose for a photo opportunity prior to practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Crown Royal Presents the Jeff Kyle 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on July 24, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
Another NFC East player who went on to serve in Congress was former Rep. Heath Shuler, D-N.C.
Shuler, who played quarterback for the franchise now known as the Washington Commanders, parlayed his playing career into a congressional career in 2006 before being succeeded by Republican Mark Meadows, a later close ally of President Donald Trump.
ATLANTA – AUGUST 22: Linebacker Colin Allred #56 of the Tennessee Titans sets for play against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on August 22, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)(Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Colin Allred, a former Tennessee Titan, also moved on to Congress, where he served until 2025.
This cycle, he unsuccessfully challenged state Rep. James Talarico and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, for Sen. John Cornyn’s seat.
Cornyn lost his primary earlier this year to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton who now faces Talarico.
PHILADELPHIA – AUGUST 7: Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jim Bunning takes part in the Alumni Night celebration before a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park on August 7, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Mets won 1-0. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
There have been several other top-name lawmakers who themselves were former professional athletes.
Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, an Indiana Republican who chose not to seek re-election in 2022 over political fallout from voting to impeach Trump, was a former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver.
Former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Steve Largent — an NFL Hall of Famer — went on to represent Oklahoma in Congress.
Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jim Bunning went on to have a lengthy political career.
He was elected to the Kentucky State Senate in 1979, Congress in 1986 and later the U.S. Senate in 1999.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., now holds his seat.
Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley speaks as Newark Mayor Cory Booker listens during a news conference to discuss Booker’s plans to campaign for the Democratic nomination to run for the seat of late U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg on June 8, 2013 in Newark, New Jersey.(Ramin Talaie/Getty Images)
New York Knicks star Bill Bradley, whose number 24 has been retired in MSG, went on to serve New Jersey in the U.S. Senate as a Democrat in the 1980s and 90s.
He also mounted an unsuccessful presidential primary bid against former Sen. Al Gore, D-Tenn.
New York Knicks forward Bill Bradley puts on his warmup jersey while seated on the bench during an NBA game against the Denver Nuggets at McNichols Arena on Nov. 3, 1976, in Denver, Colo. Also visible on the bench are Phil Jackson, Earl Monroe, Mel Davis and Mo Layton.(Mark Junge/Getty Images)
Ex-Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Tom Osborne – who briefly played for the Redskins – also served his college’s home state in Congress in the early 2000s.
Former Rep. Adam Wyant, R-Pa., had a 10-year career in the early days of professional football. He played for the Greensburg Athletic Association in the 1890s.
Laverne Dilweg, an early Green Bay Packer, also represented Wisconsin in Congress as a Democrat in the 1920s and 30s.
Former Arizona Democratic Congressman Mo Udall — whose family is considered political royalty throughout much of the Mountain West — spent three decades in Congress after a brief stint with the Denver Nuggets.
Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete Bob Mathias returned to the United States after the Helsinki Games and represented California as a Republican for about a decade beginning in 1967.