Danica Patrick is shifting gears from the racetrack to the political arena. The retired NASCAR icon is making headlines not for a checkered flag, but for a bold political endorsement, throwing her support behind former NFL kicker Jay Feely in his bid for Congress.
From the Track to the Trail
Patrick, who stepped away from full-time racing in 2018, has been increasingly visible on the political circuit. Her journey into activism, as she describes it, began just over a year ago. "It was only a little over a year ago that I went to my first ever political event," Patrick revealed, referring to a 2024 gathering in Phoenix. She admitted to previously avoiding the news, but that experience changed her perspective, calling it a moment that opened her eyes.
Fast forward to today, and Patrick is rubbing shoulders with political heavyweights. She recently shared the stage with former President Donald Trump at a Turning Point USA event, a clear sign of her new trajectory. It was at this gathering that she formally announced her endorsement for Feely.
Feely's Field Goal to the House Floor
Jay Feely, who enjoyed a 14-year NFL career primarily as a placekicker before moving into broadcasting, is aiming for a career pivot of his own. In April 2025, he announced his candidacy for Arizona's 5th Congressional District. Patrick took to Instagram to champion his cause, praising his transition from sports to public service.
"Building the red wall starts in Arizona," Patrick wrote. "So much respect for high achievers that pivot into a whole new profession!... Most importantly, a good human with good values and so much passion for making this country great." Her post also included a playful anecdote about chatting with Trump about UFC President Dana White.
A Calling to Serve
So, why is a former NFL kicker trading the broadcast booth for the ballot box? Feely frames his decision as a higher calling. "I'm excited about this next chapter of my life," Feely told ESPN. "I think that I feel God's calling pressing me into service, and that's really what I believe it is, is the civil service."
He expressed a desire to see more officials enter politics for the right reasons, stating, "I don't believe we have enough politicians that get into political office not for self-serving measures and that get into political office and don't want it to be a career." His message is one of duty over personal ambition.
Patrick's own life has seen a dramatic evolution since her racing days. From building a successful business empire to now navigating the world of political endorsements, she continues to reinvent herself. Fans of her personal style might recall her recent dazzling new ear piercings, while others may know her for her candid thoughts on the intensity of youth sports. Her foray into politics is her latest unexpected turn.
A New Playbook
The intersection of sports and politics is becoming increasingly common, with athletes like Feely leveraging their discipline and public profiles for public office. This story is a poignant reminder of the diverse paths athletes take after their playing days end, a theme echoed in the recent heartfelt tributes for a former NFL coach. For Patrick, her support for Feely marks a significant step in her own public life, proving her influence extends far beyond the world of motorsports.
Whether Jay Feely's campaign will be successful remains to be seen. But with a high-profile endorsement from Danica Patrick, his bid for Congress is certainly starting with a powerful kickoff.
