With the presidential election just over a month away, Donald Trump is gaining notable support from former NFL kicker Jay Feely. Feely, who had a 13-year career in the NFL, shared his admiration for the former president during an appearance on “Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich,” asserting that he believes Trump was more effective in office than the current Biden-Harris administration.
In the interview, Feely passionately compared Trump’s presidency, particularly the three years before the COVID-19 pandemic, to Joe Biden’s first term. He highlighted his belief that Trump outperformed the current administration on critical issues affecting everyday Americans, such as the economy, national security, and border control.
“If you look at Donald Trump objectively and assess his three or four years in office—specifically, the three years before COVID hit—and compare that to four years of the Biden-Harris administration, by any objective measure, Donald Trump did a better job,” Feely stated in his interview with OutKick. “When you talk about the issues that matter to people at home—whether it’s the economy, safety, housing, or border control—Trump was more effective in every respect than the Biden administration.”
Feely’s backing goes beyond just statements; he is actively working to assist Trump in winning back the crucial swing state of Arizona, where he spent several years as a kicker for the Arizona Cardinals. Winning Arizona would represent a significant victory for the Republican Party, as the state has become a major battleground in recent elections.
“There are over 200,000 registered Republicans in Arizona who didn’t vote in the last presidential election,” Feely emphasized. “If just half of those individuals turn out—only half of the registered Republicans—Trump can secure Arizona. This applies to many swing states as well. Republicans need to mobilize and vote for Trump. It’s difficult for me to understand why anyone wouldn’t, especially given how far apart the two parties have become.”
Arizona has proven to be a crucial state in recent elections, with narrow margins often deciding the results. Feely is focusing on mobilizing the Republican voter base in the state, particularly targeting those who chose not to vote in 2020. With a substantial number of untapped Republican voters, he believes that boosting turnout could be the key to flipping Arizona back to the GOP in 2024.
Feely’s support for Trump aligns with his conservative beliefs, but his proactive efforts to sway the Arizona electorate add a new layer to his involvement. Having played for several NFL teams between 2001 and 2014—including the Falcons, Giants, Dolphins, Chiefs, Jets, Bears, and especially the Arizona Cardinals—Feely is a prominent figure, particularly in Arizona, where he converted 85.2% of his field goal attempts during his time with the team.
Feely’s advocacy illustrates how sports figures are increasingly entering the political arena, using their influence to garner support for causes and candidates they champion.
The effectiveness of Feely’s efforts for Trump in Arizona is yet to be determined, but the critical nature of turnout in key swing states will be vital in shaping the outcome of the 2024 election.
As Election Day nears, the participation of prominent figures like Feely could have a significant impact on voter engagement, especially in battleground states where even a modest rise in turnout can lead to meaningful change.
Ultimately, it remains to be seen if Feely’s involvement will help Trump secure a win in Arizona this November.
