Trump endorses former NFL kicker Jay Feely for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District

Trump gave his “complete and total endorsement” to Feely, calling the former NFL player a “total winner” who will fight for border security, tax cuts and energy dominance.

First Published: July 10, 2026, 4:32 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald Trump endorsed former National Football League kicker Jay Feely for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District on a Truth Social post on July 10, 2026 at 3:19 PM EST (see truthsocial).

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Jay Feely, who is running to represent the wonderful people of Arizona’s 1st Congressional District! I know Jay well, and he is a TOTAL WINNER, on and off the field! A multiple-time winner of National Football League “Man of the Year” honors, Jay’s career was “loaded up” with Accolades and WINS. Jay has a great wife, Rebecca, and four beautiful children. In Congress, Jay will fight hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Jay Feely has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Arizona’s 1st Congressional District – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Trump praised Jay Feely as a “total winner, on and off the field” and highlighted what he described as multiple NFL “Man of the Year” honors. Feely spent more than a decade as a placekicker in the NFL, suiting up for the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals before retiring after the 2014 season. He later transitioned into media work and has been active in Republican political circles in Arizona.

The endorsement outlined a broad policy agenda Trump expects Feely to champion if elected. The list included cutting taxes and regulations, promoting domestic manufacturing, expanding energy production, securing the southern border, strengthening the military and defending Second Amendment rights.

Arizona’s 1st Congressional District covers a large swath of the state and has been a competitive seat in recent election cycles. A presidential endorsement in a congressional primary can reshape fundraising and voter momentum, particularly in a district where Trump maintains strong support among Republican voters.

Trump’s endorsement of Feely fits a sustained focus on electoral politics. In the last 30 days, 96 of 508 Trump posts on Truth Social addressed elections, according to a Zenger analysis of a real-time database of all Truth Social posts. Feely’s candidacy will test whether name recognition from professional sports and a Trump endorsement can translate into a winning coalition in a crowded primary field.