From the Gridiron to the Governor’s Mansion: Tommy Tuberville’s Political Playbook
After a five-year stint in the United States Senate, Republican Tommy Tuberville is keen on reminding Alabamians of one pivotal aspect as he sets his sights on a gubernatorial run: his legacy as a college football coach.
His campaign website, prominently adorned with the slogan “Coach Tuberville for Governor,” underscores the GOP’s strategy of leveraging local sports icons to gain traction in upcoming elections. As the critical midterm elections loom, this trend is becoming increasingly apparent.
Athletes and coaches are stepping into high-stakes political races, with the balance of power in Congress at stake in a climate that may favor Democrats. In Georgia, former University of Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley is banking on his athletic pedigree—and the legacy of his renowned father—to navigate a crowded Republican primary and challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. Meanwhile, former NFL kicker Jay Feely is vying for a Congressional seat in Arizona, and ex-MLB star Mark Teixeira is a leading contender for the open House seat left by Rep. Chip Roy in Texas.
Tuberville, who famously coached the Auburn University football team, is still affectionately referred to as “coach” within the corridors of power in Washington.
The phenomenon of athletes transitioning into politics is not a novel concept. Figures like former Representative Jack Kemp brought their football backgrounds to the legislative arena, Jesse Ventura used his WWE fame to secure the governorship of Minnesota, and two-time NBA champion Bill Bradley served nearly twenty years in the Senate before launching a presidential bid.
Yet, amid growing skepticism toward elected officials in Washington, both major parties are increasingly attracted to outsider candidates, with athletes fitting that mold perfectly. The trend of harnessing sports fame for political gain has gained momentum, particularly in the Trump era, where the former president often shared stages with sports figures, including Notre Dame legend Lou Holtz and wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. Trump endorsed Tuberville during his Senate campaign and supported former University of Georgia running back Herschel Walker in his unsuccessful Senate bid in 2022.
This movement has gained particular traction in the Southeastern U.S., where college football culture reigns supreme. Tuberville’s political success has inspired a wave of football personalities to consider their own political aspirations, with many seeking his advice on how to replicate his electoral victory.
“I spent years in public life attending alumni meetings, shaking hands, and promoting our program—it’s not much different from politics,” Tuberville remarked in a recent interview.
While the Alabama Republican Party isn’t actively scouting for former sports stars to run for office, that hasn’t deterred other like-minded athletes from pursuing their own political ambitions.
“There’s a natural affinity for these figures,” explained John Wahl, chair of the Alabama Republican Party and a key player in Tuberville’s 2020 Senate campaign. “They already have name recognition, fundraising potential, and are perceived as outsiders who will represent the average American.”
Dooley, who is pursuing a Senate seat with the endorsement of Georgia’s Republican Governor Brian Kemp, sought Tuberville’s insights before launching his campaign.
“Those who reach out to me often want to know the ins and outs of campaigning and fundraising,” Tuberville shared. “It’s a common theme among those venturing into politics.”
Earlier this year, former University of Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron announced his intention to run for lieutenant governor, which could have led to a rivalry of football legends in state leadership. However, he recently withdrew his candidacy to pursue another opportunity in football.
Prominent college football commentator Paul Finebaum also considered a run for Tuberville’s Senate seat but ultimately decided against it after consulting with the senator. Similarly, Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl opted not to enter the political fray after hanging up his coaching whistle.
Yet, Alabama’s pride in football remains strong: Senator Katie Britt’s husband, Wesley Britt, is a former Crimson Tide star and NFL player, a fact she showcased prominently in her 2022 Senate campaign.
This trend is not confined to the South. Michelle Tafoya, a veteran NFL sideline reporter, is reportedly gearing up for a Senate run as a Republican in Minnesota. Meanwhile, Democrats have not yet significantly tapped into this trend to challenge the entrenched Republican dominance in the region.
It’s not that Democrats lack potential candidates elsewhere: former Representative Colin Allred leveraged his NFL background in his unsuccessful 2024 Senate bid in Texas. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey played professional basketball in Europe before entering politics, and Kansas Representative Sharice Davids is a former mixed martial arts fighter.
“Democrats often recruit ex-military or CIA personnel, believing that’s more aligned with their values,” remarked veteran Democratic strategist James Carville. “As public disillusionment with Washington politics grows, both parties might seek out fresh candidate profiles.”
Indeed, a recent Pew Research Center poll reveals that nearly 75% of American adults feel frustrated with the Democratic Party, while 64% harbor negative views of Republicans. This widespread dissatisfaction boosts the appeal of outsider candidates who have yet to engage in the political arena.
“People are clearly ready for change,” noted Amanda Litman, co-founder and president of the progressive candidate recruitment initiative Run for Something. “Those who are new to the system often make great agents of change.”
“While we’re not specifically seeking athletes, we are looking for individuals who genuinely care and bring a fresh perspective,” she added, emphasizing the need for a diverse array of candidates.
However, the public is not entirely convinced that athletes should enter the political arena. A late 2024 poll from the Associated Press and the University of Chicago’s NORC found that only 26% of adults approve of athletes commenting on political issues, with 36% explicitly disapproving of their involvement in politics.
“In athletics, fame often translates to universal appeal,” Carville pointed out. “In politics, however, once you voice your opinion, you risk alienating half of your audience.”
