After 13 years of battling 250-pound defensive lineman, Jon Runyan is moving to a new rough-and-tumble profession – politics. Runyan, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles for eight years, is suiting up to battle Democrat John Adler for New Jersey’s Third Congressional District. Adler is a freshman Rep. who won a close open-seat race in 2008 to replace the retiring Republican James Saxton. National Democrats are already concerned about Adler’s race and have put him on the DCCC’s “Frontline” Program for “vulnerable incumbents.”

Jon Runyan is finishing his NFL career this season with the San Diego Chargers but has already thrown his hat in the ring saying, “After the season is over I plan to officially retire from football and pursue a campaign for the United States Congress.” Two important qualifications that Runyan has in his favor – name ID and the almighty dollar! His long tenure with the Eagles, just across the Delaware River in Philly, has afforded Runyan the opportunity of self-funding the race in a community where he already has plenty of fans.

A close political campaign is a lot like an NFL season, it’s long, tough, physically exhausting, and a battle of wits, so Runyan should be well-preparred for the brutal gridiron battle ahead. Personally, I can’t wait to see the two debate. It’s hard to insult your opponent when you know he could drive you into the ground!

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving day weekend everyone!