Former NFL player to run for Congress

**OnePimpTiger** · 09-15-2009, 10:02 AM

Former professional football player Jay Riemersma announced Monday that he is running for Congress in Michigan in 2010.

The GOP candidate is running for the seat being vacated by Rep. Peter Hoekstra, a Republican vying to become the next governor of Michigan. Riemersma set up an exploratory committee in June, but made it official on Monday with a speech in Holland, Michigan.

Riemersma played for the Buffalo Bills from 1996–2002 and the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2003–2004.

Don't remember the guy...he was a WR, 221 career catches for 2,524 yards and 23 TDs.

**jlzinck** · 09-15-2009, 10:43 AM

Buffalo Bills TE I bellieve

**Yanksfan396** · 09-15-2009, 10:44 AM

I think it's great when former entertainers get into politics. Wish I knew more about him, though.

**~~RedGoneWILD~~** · 09-15-2009, 01:52 PM

yeah, this guy used to play for the Steelers....plus I remember him from 1994 when he was at Michigan and Penn State whooped up on them

that Michigan offense had Riemersma at TE, Todd Collins at QB, Amani Toomer at WR, Tyrone Wheatley at FB, & Tim Biakabatuka at RB. The defense featured Ty Law at CB....I remember pretty much everything about that game and that day. I was in Philly and was in a car accident before the game, and I drank my first beer that night too.

Oh, the weird things that I remember.

**mikesilvia** · 09-15-2009, 09:38 PM

Lyn Swann and a few other high profile athletes have run for governor and congress. It doesn't seem like they are very successful as most run as Republicans in Democratic areas/states. Most run as Republicans because after the government (federal and state) takes 50% or more from their pay checks they become Republican. :)

Tom Brady has been seen at Republican conventions and Curt Shilling may run for Ted Kennedy's senate seat.