Despite reports to the contrary, Tony Dungy said that he is not a candidate to run for Senate in Michigan in 2026.
Coming on the heels of Democrat Gary Peters announcing that he won’t seek a third term in the Senate, Dungy, a Michigan native was named on a short list of Republican candidates to run for the open seat. But apparently, that will not happen.
The former NFL player, coach and current studio analyst for NBC’s football coverage dispelled the idea that he’d run for office.
“Not sure where this idea came from but it didn’t come from me,” Dungy said on X. “I love my home state of Michigan. I pray they will elect a Senator who honors the Lord and leads the people well. But I can assure you it won’t be me. Number 1, I’m not a politician and Number 2 I live in Florida.”
Not sure where this idea came from but it didn’t come from me. I love my home state of Michigan. I pray they will elect a Senator who honors the Lord and leads the people well. But I can assure you it won’t be me. Number 1, I’m not a politician and Number 2 I live in Florida. https://t.co/tsuORcbbPq
— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) January 31, 2025
Dungy has not shied away from commenting on hot-button political issues in the past. Knowing that, it’s not too surprising to see his name mentioned as a potential political candidate, particularly given the success that former athletes and coaches have had in politics. But at least for now, it sounds like that will not happen.

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