College Football Hall of Fame coach Jim Tressel, who claimed the 2002 national championship at Ohio State University, has been put forth as a nominee for the position of the state’s future lieutenant governor, marking yet another example of sports personalities making the leap into the realm of politics. Known as “The Senator” during his tenure as a coach due to his composed and dignified demeanor, Tressel had been occasionally floated as a potential political contender, although he had not previously held any official political office. Following his coaching career, Tressel did assume the role of president at Youngstown State University. Let’s take a closer look at a variety of other athletes and coaches who have ventured into the political sphere.
Gerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, excelled in football during his time at the University of Michigan, where he distinguished himself as a standout center and linebacker. Ford later went on to serve as a member of the U.S. House representing Michigan before eventually ascending to the positions of vice president and president, assuming the presidency in the aftermath of Richard Nixon’s resignation.
Herschel Walker, the recipient of the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 1982 while playing for the University of Georgia, made an unsuccessful foray into politics in 2002 when he ran for a U.S. Senate seat in his home state. Most recently, President Donald Trump has selected Walker to serve as the ambassador to the Bahamas.
Steve Largent, a revered wide receiver enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame, played for the Seattle Seahawks from 1976 to 1989 before embarking on a political career representing Oklahoma in the U.S. House for a span of eight years.
Heath Shuler, a former quarterback at the University of Tennessee who finished as the runner-up for the esteemed Heisman Trophy in 1993, successfully transitioned into politics by securing a seat in the U.S. House representing North Carolina in 2006, where he served for three terms.
Tommy Tuberville, the esteemed former head football coach at Auburn University, clinched his first term in the U.S. Senate in 2020 after being elected by the voters of Alabama.
Lynn Swann, a decorated wide receiver renowned for his contributions to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ four Super Bowl victories, faced a setback in his political aspirations when he failed in his bid for the governorship of Pennsylvania in 2006.
Tom Osborne, a revered figure in college football who secured three national championships as the head coach of Nebraska, transitioned into a political role as a three-term congressman during the 2000s.
Steve Garvey, a former MVP in baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers, experienced defeat in his bid for a U.S. Senate seat in California in 2024, losing to Democrat Adam Schiff.
Bill Bradley, a two-time NBA champion with the New York Knicks and a Hall of
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