From the gridiron to the United States Capitol?
That’s what former NFL kicker Jay Feely hopes is in his future this November.
Feely, 50, is running for the Republican nomination in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, backed by an endorsement from President Donald Trump. The Republican primary is Tuesday, July 21, and the former kicker appears to have an advantage heading into Tuesday’s primary thanks to Trump’s endorsement and a place in the “MAGA Majority” fundraising program.
The departure of Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., who has held the seat since 2023 and is running for Arizona governor in 2026, has left the seat open. Republicans have held the seat since 2011. Schweikert previously represented the 6th congressional district from 2013 to 2023 and the 5th from 2011 to 2013.
“When I chose to walk away from my NFL broadcasting career, keeping the Republican majority was the primary focus,” Feely said in a statement posted on the social platform X. “We must maintain a GOP majority to ensure lower costs for Arizona’s families, safety in our neighborhoods, and the preservation of the American Dream.”
Feely has received significant donations from many notable and influential figures across the sports universe as he ventures into politics.
Here’s what to know about Feely and today’s Primary:
Who is running against Jay Feely for Congress?
Joseph Chaplik and John Trobough are running against Feely in the Republican primary for Arizona’s First Congressional District.
Trobough is a tech entrepreneur while state Rep. Chaplik is a member of the state’s Freedom Caucus.
What political party has the majority of voters in the district Jay Feely is running for?
Roughly 20% of active voters in the district are Democrats, 45% are Republicans and 35% are not affiliated with a political party, according to the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office.
Jay Feely campaign donations
According to public data from the Federal Election Commission, Feely’s congressional campaign has received thousands of dollars from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, NBA legend Charles Barkley, CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz and New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh, among others.
The Haslam family, owners of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and the Columbus Crew in MLS, has collectively donated $21,000 to Feely’s campaign. Contributions were made by Jimmy Haslam, his wife Dee and their daughter Whitney.
Similarly, the Bidwill family, who control the Arizona Cardinals, has contributed a total of $17,000 to Feely’s campaign through donations from Michael, Nicole and Tim Bidwill.
Who did Arizona’s 1st Congressional District vote for President?
The district voted for Joe Biden in 2020 before flipping back to Trump four years later.
When did Trump endorse Jay Feely?
President Trump endorsed Feely on January 6, 2026.
How old is Jay Feely?
Feely is currently 50 years old; he was born on May 23, 1976.
What is Jay Feely campaigning on?
Feely is campaigning on border security, emphasizing strict measures to stop illegal crossings and secure the U.S.-Mexico border. He also advocates for fiscal conservatism with the aim of lowering taxes, reducing inflation and cutting government spending. He supports Artificial Intelligence regulation backed by leaders in the tech industry and received $600,000 from a Pro-AI super PAC.
You can see Feely’s stance on different policies here: Jay Feely for Congress.
When did Jay Feely retire from the NFL?
Feely retired from the NFL in 2014. He currently ranks 30th all-time in career points scored.
What NFL teams did Jay Feely play for?
Feely played for the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears from 2001 to 2014.
USA TODAY Sports’ Nick Brinkerhoff and Mitchell Northam contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL kicker’s Trump and Goodell-backed Congress bid heads to primary: What to know
