Roger Goodell, Charles Barkley donate to NFL kicker’s Trump-endorsed Congress campaign

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives hold a slim margin of majority heading into what could be a pivotal midterm election this November. One of the crucial races that could be key for Republican lawmakers to hold onto that advantage involves former NFL kicker Jay Feely.

The 50-year-old Feely - who ranks 30th all-time in career points scored in the NFL - is seeking the Republican nomination to represent Arizona's First Congressional District in Washington. That seat has belonged to Republican Congressman David Schweikert since 2011, but he is running for governor in Arizona in this election cycle.

Feely, who garnered a public endorsement from President Donald J. Trump in April, retired from kicking in the NFL after playing four games with the Chicago Bears in 2014. He then spent a decade as a broadcaster, primarily working NFL games on CBS. This is the University of Michigan product's first venture into politics.

And his campaign is being funded by some noteworthy names around the sports world.

Jay Feely campaign donations

According to public data from the Federal Election Commission, Feely's campaign for Congress has received thousands of dollars from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, NBA legend Charles Barkley, CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz and New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh, among others.

Records show that Goodell made two donations on June 18, 2025 - one for the general election and one for the primary in the amount of $3,500 each. That is the legal limit an individual can contribute directly to a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate per election.

Barkley also gave Feely $3,500 for each race (a combined $7,000) in June of 2025, as did Kraft, Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher and former college football star Andre Wadsworth.

Nantz made a single donation of $3,500 for Feely's primary race last May. Feely has also received donations in that amount from former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez, former NFL head coach Ken Whisenhunt, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and former NFL defensive end Akbar Gbaja-Biamila.

Harbaugh made a single donation of $2,500 on Sept. 5, 2025, while he was still the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. His wife, Ingrid, also made a donation of $2,500 on the same day.

Feely's campaign has also received $1,000 from former NFL quarterback turned broadcaster Trent Green and $1,000 from former NBA owner and sports executive Jerry Colangelo. NFL employees Jeffrey Pash and Brendon Plack have also each donated $1,000 to Feely's campaign.

The Haslam Family - which owns the NFL's Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew of MLS - has given a combined $21,000 to Feely's campaign. Jimmy Haslam, his wife Dee and daughter Whitney have all donated.

Similarly, the Bidwill Family - which controls the Cardinals - has contributed a combined $17,000 to Feely's campaign via donations from Michael, Nicole and Tim.

Feely was a well-traveled kicker during his 14 seasons in the NFL, playing for the Falcons, Giants, Dolphins, Jets, Cardinals and Bears. He made the 2001 All-Rookie Team and led the league in field goals made in 2002.

Jay Feely Arizona primary opponent

In a competitive primary, Feely is facing Joseph Chaplik, a former member of the Arizona House of Representatives, and technology executive John Trobough. The primary vote is just weeks away, as Arizona voters will head to the polls on July 21.

On his campaign website, Feely bills himself as a proud conservative and staunch supporter of (Trump)" who aims to fight for border security, protect our freedoms, and put America First." As to why he is running for elected office, Feely previously told the New York Times, You get to a point where you feel like engaging in the fight rather than just being on the periphery. I wanted to - to use a sports metaphor - get off the sidelines."

Trump gave Feely his endorsement via a Truth Social post in January, calling him a highly respected America First patriot." The National Republican Congressional Committee has touted Feely's fundraising efforts, saying in an April press release that he pulled in $740,000 in the first quarter of 2026.

The contrast couldn't be clearer," NRCC Spokesperson Ben Petersen said. Jay Feely's momentum keeps growing as Democrats remain mired in their messy primary race to the far-left."

According to the FEC, Feely had about $1.25 million cash-on-hand as of March 31. The Arizona Republic recently reported that a pro-AI super PAC called Leading the Future" will pour $600,000 into his campaign.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Roger Goodell, Charles Barkley donate to NFL kicker's Trump-endorsed Congress campaign