Tony Dungy might be the next former coach to follow in Tommy Tuberville’s footsteps to the United States Senate.
The sports-to-politics pipeline isn’t exactly crowded, but it’s not unheard of either. As far as sports media is concerned, Stephen A. Smith has teased the idea of running for office, though he’s never actually taken the plunge. On the other hand, Herschel Walker and Tuberville have shown there’s growing momentum for former players and coaches to make the leap. Going back further, Jim Bunning and Bill Bradley were Hall of Fame professional athletes who also called the Senate home.
Now, Dungy’s name is in the mix.
According to Al Weaver of The Hill, a GOP source claims the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts head coach is being considered as a potential candidate for Michigan’s Senate seat.
Asked a GOP source who are possibles to run for Peters seat. They mentioned 4 names: Bill Huizenga, John James, Mike Rogers and …… former Colts HC Tony Dungy.
— Al Weaver (@alweaver22) January 28, 2025
This comes after Gary Peters (D) announced Tuesday he’ll retire and not seek re-election in 2026.
The 69-year-old Tony Dungy would practically be considered a spring chicken by U.S. Senate standards.
On a more serious note, Dungy has never been one to keep his conservative beliefs quiet. As the NBC Sports analyst has tried to dip his toe into politics, he’s wielded some controversial viewpoints while still serving as an on-site analyst for the Football Night in America pre-game show alongside Rodney Harrison and Jac Collinsworth.
While his viewpoints haven’t overshadowed his accomplishments in the NFL, they haven’t exactly endeared him to the masses either. He’s drawn criticism for numerous comments, including his claim last season that Taylor Swift was driving football fans away, placing the blame on her as to why viewers have become “disenchanted” with the product.
That was pretty tame compared to what followed.
In 2023, Dungy came under fire for sharing a debunked right-wing conspiracy theory. Responding to a tweet about Minnesota legislators proposing menstrual products in boys’ school bathrooms, Dungy referenced the thoroughly discredited claim that schools were providing litter boxes for students identifying as cats.
The backlash was swift, and Dungy was forced to issue an apology.
Days later, Tony Dungy sparked outrage again when he spoke at the March for Life anti-abortion rally in Washington, D.C. In his speech, he referenced Damar Hamlin’s miraculous recovery, attempting to draw a parallel between the prayers for Hamlin and the anti-abortion movement.
This isn’t Dungy’s first attempt to dip his toes into Michigan politics. In 2022, he campaigned against Proposal 3, a ballot initiative aimed at codifying reproductive rights into the Michigan Constitution following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Dungy labeled the proposal “a subtle but direct attack on parental rights” in a tweet urging residents to vote against it.
On Nov 8 Michigan residents will be voting on Proposal 3. It is a subtle but direct attack on parental rights. We can’t forfeit our ability to parent our children. Donate today to @votenoprop3 #handsoffourkidsmi #MIProp3 https://t.co/aiv7fzSEyP pic.twitter.com/pj0pyHMNEF
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) November 2, 2022
Despite Dungy’s opposition, Michigan voters approved Proposal 3, ensuring access to abortion, contraception and other reproductive rights under state law.
And while Tony Dungy no longer lives in Michigan, his roots remain firmly planted in the Great Lakes State. Born and raised in Jackson, Michigan, Dungy attended the University of Minnesota before embarking on a storied football career as a player and coach.
But now, he might be ready to return home and take his first step into potentially being a member of Congress.
