Legendary Football Coach Reportedly May Jump Into Political Race

Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy could potentially leap into politics in the next election cycle.

According to reports, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts head coach is considering running for U.S. Senate in Michigan.

“Asked a GOP source who are possibles to run for Peters seat. They mentioned 4 names: Bill Huizenga, John James, Mike Rogers and …… former Colts HC Tony Dungy,” The Hill’s Al Weaver said.

Asked a GOP source who are possibles to run for Peters seat. They mentioned 4 names: Bill Huizenga, John James, Mike Rogers and …… former Colts HC Tony Dungy.

— Al Weaver (@alweaver22) January 28, 2025

MLive reports:

The surprising report, which also mentioned U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, U.S. Rep. John James and former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, comes after U.S. Sen. Gary Peters said he will not seek reelection when his term ends in 2027.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is also “taking a serious look” at running for the Michigan senate seat, according to Axios.

Dungy, 69, is from Jackson. A highly respected football mind, he became the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl in 2007. He has served as an analyst on NBC’s “Football Night in America” since his retirement in 2008 and remains a top voice in the sport.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dungy, who isn’t shy about sharing his conservative beliefs, has not commented on the report and it’s unclear how serious of a candidate he would be since he has never held political office.

In 2022, he did campaign against Proposal 3, a ballot initiative aimed at codifying reproductive rights into the Michigan Constitution following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

BREAKING: Rumors are circulating that Legendary NFL Coach Tony Dungy may run for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat as a Republican in 2026

Dungy made history in 2007 by becoming the first black coach to win the Super Bowl.

If he runs, he will win by a record landslide. pic.twitter.com/6rZi2mXAg5

— George (@BehizyTweets) January 29, 2025

NBC’s Tony Dungy reportedly a possibility to run for Michigan Senate seat https://t.co/6U3DJ7PUdn

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 28, 2025

WATCH:

On Nov 8 Michigan residents will be voting on Proposal 3. It is a subtle but direct attack on parental rights. We can’t forfeit our ability to parent our children. Donate today to @votenoprop3 #handsoffourkidsmi #MIProp3 https://t.co/aiv7fzSEyP pic.twitter.com/pj0pyHMNEF

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) November 2, 2022

With Michigan going to Trump in the 2024 election, the GOP hopes to flip the seat as the Democratic senator foregoes another term.

#BREAKING: The Michigan Senate seat will be *OPEN* in 2026 after Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) is NOT running for reelection – Detroit News

HUGE development… defeating an incumbent is an uphill battle. Now, the seat is OPEN and the Republican will have a better chance. pic.twitter.com/wrebWwCdLc

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 28, 2025

Per Fox News:

Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters will not seek re-election when his term ends in Jan. 2027.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Serving Michigan in the Congress has been the honor of my life. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity the people of my home state have given me,” the two-term senator and former congressman said in a statement on social media on Tuesday.

His decision to retire leaves open a senate seat in a key battleground state President Donald Trump won in 2024. But Democrats held a similarly open seat when Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., narrowly defeated Republican Mike Rogers in the 2024 race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Peters was one of three Democratic senators up for re-election in the 2026 midterms that the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) was planning to heavily target as they aim to expand their current 53-47 majority in the Senate. The other two Democrats are Sens. Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire.

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

View the original article here.