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Jay Feely spent years in the NFL trying to perform in high-pressure moments. Now, the former kicker faces a different kind of pressure point as Republicans seek to protect their slim House majority in November’s midterm elections.
Feely hung up his cleats after the 2014 season, capping a career that still places him 30th on the NFL’s all-time scoring list. He then spent several years covering games as a broadcaster before entering politics.
Feely announced his candidacy for one of Arizona’s congressional seats last year and is running as the Republican candidate in the state’s 1st Congressional District. His campaign has since benefited from financial support from several high-profile sports figures.
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Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely participates in the 2026 AZ Clean Election primary debate for the 1st Congressional District at Sneaky Big Studios in Scottsdale on June 24, 2026. (Diannie Chavez/The Republic/United States)
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NBA great Charles Barkley, who spent four years of his Hall of Fame basketball career with the Phoenix Suns, both donated to Feely’s campaign, according to public data from the Federal Election Commission.
Records show Goodell made two donations last June, one earmarked for the primary and the other for the general election. Each contribution totaled $3,500. Individual donors are allowed to give up to $7,000 to a candidate for the United States House of Representatives or Senate per election.
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Feely also gained the support of President Donald Trump earlier this year.
Feely’s campaign website describes the 50-year-old as a “proud conservative and strong supporter of (Trump)” who aims to “fight for border security, protect our freedoms and put America first.”
David Schweikert has represented Arizona’s 1st Congressional District since 2011, but is now running for governor.
Jay Feely on the sidelines at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on February 11, 2024. (Mary Kouw/CBS via Getty Images)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and longtime broadcaster Jim Nantz, who worked with Feely at CBS, also contributed to his campaign. Then-Ravens head coach Jim Harbaugh donated $2,500 to Feely’s campaign last September. The Bidwill family, owners of the Cardinals, donated a total of $17,000 to the Feely campaign thanks to donations from Michael, Nicole and Tim Bidwill.
Feely began his NFL career in Atlanta before later playing for the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals. He closed out his professional football career with the Chicago Bears.
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Feely pointed to the support of people outside his political mainstream as a reflection of his character and the relationships he has built.
“It’s been an honor for me to be a part of the NFL for 25 years and have the chance to meet people,” Feely said. “Having this sport to allow me to meet these people who may disagree with me politically, on any number of political issues, someone like Arthur Blank, who owns the Falcons…” Feely told The Arizona Republic.
CBS Sports reporter Jay Feely during the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on September 27, 2020. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports)
“When I contacted him, he said, ‘Jay, we disagree politically on many issues, but I trust your heart, so I will donate to your campaign to support you.’ “
Feely’s political agenda also extends to college sports, where he has called for stricter regulation of the NIL if elected.
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The National Republican Congressional Committee said in an April press release that Feely’s campaign raised $740,000 in the first quarter of 2026. Election commission records showed he had an estimated $1.25 million on hand at the end of March.
Feely faces a competitive primary against Joseph Chaplik and John Trobough. Chaplik was previously elected to the Arizona House of Representatives and Trobough is a technology executive. Arizona voters go to the polls on July 21.
Feely went undrafted out of Michigan in 1999 before making his NFL regular season debut with the Falcons in 2001.
