House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) might’ve just added a reliable kicker to his political roster with former NFL standout Jay Feely jumping into the race for Arizona’s 5th Congressional District. And let’s be honest—conservatives could use a few more guys on the team who know how to play hard, hit their targets, and stay cool under pressure. Feely, a 13-season NFL veteran turned commentator, officially launched his campaign Wednesday and is aiming to take the handoff from outgoing Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), who’s set his sights on the governor’s mansion.
Feely announced his candidacy with a simple but confident message: “I’m excited to announce my candidacy for U.S. Congress in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District. I look forward to earning your vote.” Not flashy, not dramatic—just a man ready to take the field. And in a district that’s been red since the Tea Party revolution, Feely’s got a strong shot at punching it through the uprights.
I’m excited to announce my candidacy for U.S. Congress in Arizona’s 5th Congressional District.
I look forward to earning your vote 🇺🇸https://t.co/ghYLMzcHXF#TeamFeely pic.twitter.com/XayfhtGPkb
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) April 22, 2025
This isn’t a vanity run either. Feely’s not some celebrity trying to stay relevant—he’s a committed conservative who’s been publicly supportive of President Trump and has even posted golf course selfies with 45. That doesn’t hurt when you’re running in a deep-red district, even if it is in a swing state like Arizona.
Before politics, Feely carved out a solid NFL career. After playing college ball at Michigan, he kicked his way through several NFL franchises—Giants, Dolphins, Cardinals, and more—earning a reputation for reliability. That’s something voters wouldn’t mind seeing more of in Washington. Since retiring, he’s been a regular voice on CBS Sports, lending commentary and insight with the same levelheadedness he showed on the field.
Feely isn’t walking into a cakewalk, though. He’s got to first get through a Republican primary that includes former state Rep. Travis Grantham. And while Feely might have name recognition and national connections, Grantham has local roots and experience with Arizona voters. The race will test whether Feely’s fundraising and field game can match his name on the marquee.
Speaker Johnson, meanwhile, has to be smiling. With Feely running, Republicans have a strong, media-savvy, and well-spoken candidate in a crucial state. Arizona went for Biden in 2020—barely—and the GOP’s got to shore up every district if it wants to take back the Senate and keep the House in 2026.
Feely’s campaign is just getting started, but he’s already proving he’s got more than a strong leg—he might just have the backbone the House needs.
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