Retired New York Jets offensive lineman Nick Mangold has been in discussions with local Republican Party officials to run to replace retiring Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R., N.J.), according to Politico.
Mangold, a seven time pro-bowl selection during his 11-year career with the Jets, is "intrigued" by the idea of running for office in New Jersey, the state that became his home after he was drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2006 draft.
"I had a conversation with him. He’s intrigued by the idea. He has to think it over and talk with his wife," Essex County Republican Chairman Al Barlas told Politico. "After an 11-year playing career and a college career, he’s enjoying being at home with his wife and kids."
Frelinghuysen announced late last month that he would be retiring after 12 terms in Congress.
Barlas says Mangold is a registered Republican and had an active record of civic participation during his playing career.
Mangold, however, is also considering a return to the football field.
"[I'm] in football purgatory. I'm not up and I'm not down. I'm somewhere in between, all over the place," Mangold said last week. "My foot is starting to feel better. I'm starting to get back into things. Is [playing football] something I still want to do? I don't know where I am."