Former NFL kicker Jay Feely, now running for Congress in Arizona’s 5th District, aggressively seeks Donald Trump’s endorsement. But as Feely attempts to market himself as the “MAGA Republican” alternative, his past praise for Barack Obama and Bill Clinton and his criticism of Trump have resurfaced, casting doubts about his authenticity within conservative circles.
Ex-NFL Kicker Jay Feely Vies for Trump’s Endorsement in Arizona Congressional Race, but His History of Trump Bashing, Praise for Obama and Clinton May Catch Up https://t.co/KpQQdFfFTf
— Steve Ferguson (@lsferguson) October 19, 2025
Jay Feely’s Old Anti-Trump Takes Haunt His Arizona Congressional Bid
Jay Feely and Donald Trump
Jay Feely and Donald Trump (Credits: Imagn)
Feely is a 14-year NFL veteran who was most famous for playing four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He is now running to replace Rep. Andy Biggs, who has also announced plans to run to replace the Governor in 2026.
Although Feely markets himself as a conservative supporter of theTrump agenda on his media platforms, such as Fox News, his previous statements say otherwise.In the 2016 GOP primaries, Feely supported Jeb Bush, John Kasich, and Marco Rubio rather than Trump. Feely later acknowledged that he was disillusioned by the political environment when Trump became the nominee.
In 2020, after the first Trump-Biden debate, he wrote that the event was“painful to watch” and said he“wasn’t proud of anyone.”
Fans online had a lot to say about the controversy.One user noted that “his involvement with Clinton was with the Haiti Earthquake relief The Grove Church,” pointing to past associations that have resurfaced in the discussion.Anotherfrustrated commenter wrote, “Another infiltrator Steve, that’s all the communists are infiltrators,” showing deep distrust toward political insiders.
Criticism continued as one personremarked, “So another RINO who tries to get elected to become a billionaire on the backs of voters,” reflecting anger over what they see as opportunistic politics. Others turned their attention to local leadership, with one userclaiming, “The Arizona legislature is filled with RINOs, that’s why their elections are fraught with cheating and nothing changes. It’s the McCain legacy!”
According to The Post Millennial, Feely’s campaign has drawn support from moderate Republicans, including Tom Emmer, Richard Hudson, and Juan Ciscomani, which only fuels skepticism among many MAGA-aligned voters. His primary challenger, Daniel Keenan, has taken a very different route, vowing to join the House Freedom Caucus and fully stand behind President Trump’s America First movement.
For a candidate seeking Trump’s blessing, Feely’s record is an obstacle he can’t easily kick away. With Arizona’s conservative base demanding unwavering loyalty, Feely’s old comments may become the most prominent opponent he faces long before Election Day.