Jon Runyan, former NFL offensive lineman, says he's considering run for Congress as Republican

Associated Press

Last update: November 12, 2009 - 10:02 AM

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. - Former NFL player Jon Runyan says he's considering running for Congress.

In a statement issued Wednesday by the Burlington County Republican Committee, Runyan says he believes the country is being taken in the wrong direction by career politicians.

Runyan, an offensive lineman, played 13 seasons in the NFL, the last nine with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 35-year-old is out of football this season, though he's talked to the Eagles and other teams about coming back.

If he runs for Congress, it would be in New Jersey's 3rd District, which stretches from the Philadelphia suburbs to central New Jersey's beach towns.

The seat was won a year ago by Democrat John Adler. Adler followed Republican Jim Saxton, who retired after more than two decades in office.

(This version CORRECTS Runyan's age to 35.)

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