SouthernWorldwide.com – Roger Goodell, the Commissioner of the National Football League (NFL), is among a notable group of sports figures who have contributed financially to the congressional bid of former NFL kicker Jay Feely. Feely is running as a Republican candidate in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, a race endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
Feely, who spent many years in the high-pressure environment of the NFL, is now navigating a different kind of challenge. He is seeking to help Republicans maintain their narrow majority in the House of Representatives during the upcoming November midterm elections.
After concluding his NFL career in 2014, Feely ranked 30th on the league’s all-time scoring list. He later transitioned into sports broadcasting before making the move into politics.
Feely announced his intention to run for a congressional seat in Arizona last year. He is competing as a Republican in the state’s 1st Congressional District. His campaign has since garnered financial support from several prominent individuals within the sports world.
Public records from the Federal Election Commission reveal that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NBA legend Charles Barkley, who played four seasons with the Phoenix Suns, have both donated to Feely’s campaign. Barkley’s connection to Arizona is further solidified by his Hall of Fame career with the Suns.
Federal Election Commission records indicate that Goodell made two donations in June of last year. One donation was designated for the primary election, and the other for the general election. Each contribution amounted to $3,500. Under current regulations, individual donors are permitted to contribute up to $7,000 to a candidate running for the U.S. House of Representatives or the Senate for each election cycle.
Feely also received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump earlier this year. This backing is significant in a district where Trump-backed candidates have often found success.
Feely’s campaign website outlines his platform, describing him as a “proud conservative and staunch supporter of (Trump).” His stated goals include advocating for border security, protecting individual freedoms, and prioritizing an “America First” agenda.
The current representative for Arizona’s first Congressional District, David Schweikert, has held the seat since 2011. However, Schweikert is not seeking re-election to this position, as he is instead running for governor.
Other notable figures from the sports community who have contributed to Feely’s campaign include New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and long-time broadcaster Jim Nantz. Nantz, who previously worked with Feely at CBS, also lent his support. Additionally, Jim Harbaugh, who was the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens at the time, donated $2,500 to Feely’s campaign last September.
The Bidwill family, owners of the Arizona Cardinals, has provided significant financial backing to Feely’s campaign. Through donations from Michael, Nicole, and Tim Bidwill, the family has collectively contributed $17,000.
Feely’s NFL career began with the Atlanta Falcons. He later played for the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Arizona Cardinals. He concluded his professional football career with the Chicago Bears.
Feely has expressed that the support he has received from individuals across different political viewpoints reflects his character and the relationships he has cultivated throughout his career. He highlighted the diverse backgrounds of his supporters, including those who may not align with him politically.
“It’s just been an honor for me to be around the NFL for 25 years and to get a chance to meet the people,” Feely stated in an interview with The Arizona Republic. He further elaborated on the significance of these connections, mentioning individuals like Arthur Blank, the owner of the Falcons, as examples of people he has met through the sport.
Feely’s political aspirations also extend to college sports, where he has indicated a desire to implement stricter regulations on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities if elected to Congress.
According to a press release from the National Republican Congressional Committee in April, Feely’s campaign successfully raised $740,000 in the first quarter of 2026. Election commission records indicated that his campaign had an estimated $1.25 million in funds as of late March.
Feely faces a competitive primary election against two other Republican candidates: Joseph Chaplik and John Trobough. Chaplik has prior experience serving in the Arizona House of Representatives, while Trobough is a technology executive. Arizona voters are scheduled to cast their ballots in the primary election on July 21.
Feely entered the NFL as an undrafted player from Michigan in 1999. He made his regular-season debut in the league with the Falcons in 2001.
