In an attempt to unseat Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, Congressman Andy Biggs is seeking a replacement in the former NFL kicker.

In the evolving political landscape of Arizona, an unexpected twist is capturing headlines and raising eyebrows. Congressman Andy Biggs, a prominent conservative voice from the state’s deeply Republican East Valley, is reportedly seeking a unique and unconventional candidate to unseat Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs in the 2026 gubernatorial race — a former NFL kicker.

While Biggs himself has long been seen as a firebrand within the GOP and a potential gubernatorial candidate, his interest in recruiting an outsider from the world of professional sports marks a strategic shift in the Republican playbook: capitalize on name recognition, a fresh face, and a populist appeal to challenge an incumbent who has held her base but struggled to unify the broader electorate.

Governor Katie Hobbs took office in January 2023 following a narrow victory over Republican Kari Lake, a former television anchor turned political lightning rod. Though Hobbs secured her position in a fiercely contested race, her tenure has not been without challenges. Budget battles, a persistent teacher shortage, and a lingering housing crisis have dogged her administration. While she’s touted bipartisan wins, such as infrastructure investments and drought mitigation plans, her approval ratings have remained lukewarm, hovering in the high 40s.

This vulnerability has not gone unnoticed by the Arizona GOP, particularly by figures like Andy Biggs, who represent the party’s populist wing. A former Arizona Senate President and Freedom Caucus member in the U.S. House, Biggs has been a vocal critic of Hobbs’ policies, accusing her of catering to “coastal liberals” and failing to address border security and state autonomy.

For months, speculation swirled about whether Biggs himself would throw his hat into the ring for the 2026 race. But sources close to his political circle indicate that the congressman is instead leaning toward playing kingmaker — and in a move that blends celebrity appeal with anti-establishment energy, he has set his sights on a former NFL kicker with Arizona roots.

While the name of the kicker has not been officially confirmed, insiders suggest that discussions are underway with at least two retired NFL special teams stars who played for the Arizona Cardinals in the 2000s and 2010s. These athletes, known more for clutch field goals than campaign speeches, bring with them a loyal fan base and name recognition that most first-time political candidates lack.

Biggs’ rationale is clear: in an era where outsider status is often more valuable than a polished resume, a sports figure — particularly one with a clean image and deep community ties — could energize suburban and rural voters while softening the GOP’s image in urban areas where Hobbs performed well.

This strategy is not without precedent. Former NFL players like Herschel Walker in Georgia and Jake Bequette in Arkansas have made forays into politics, with varying levels of success. And, of course, Arizona is no stranger to sports icons becoming public figures; from Charles Barkley’s political commentary to Larry Fitzgerald’s philanthropic work, athletes have long held cultural influence in the Grand Canyon State.

Yet this would be the first time Arizona sees a major-party gubernatorial nominee come directly from the NFL — and specifically from a position not traditionally associated with star power: kicker.

The choice may seem unusual on the surface, but there are several strategic advantages. First, kickers are often seen as dependable, calm under pressure, and focused — attributes that could translate well to a political campaign centered on stability and problem-solving. Second, many kickers enjoy long tenures with a single team, fostering community trust and visibility.

Take, for example, Jay Feely, who played for the Arizona Cardinals from 2010 to 2014 and has since built a career in broadcasting and charity. Though there’s no confirmation that Feely is the target, he fits the profile: articulate, media-savvy, politically aware, and respected across party lines.

Another possibility is Neil Rackers, who spent the bulk of his NFL career with the Cardinals and has remained active in Arizona post-retirement. Known for his blue-collar work ethic and approachable demeanor, Rackers could appeal to working-class voters and veterans.

Regardless of the specific individual, the kicker-turned-candidate strategy speaks to a larger trend: Republicans, particularly in states with polarized electorates, are increasingly turning to non-politicians who can transcend traditional partisan boundaries and inject campaigns with energy, novelty, and charisma.

Should Biggs succeed in recruiting his chosen athlete, the next steps would involve rapid infrastructure development. This means assembling a campaign team, locking in donors, and preparing for a brutal primary against more established Republican figures. Arizona’s Republican bench remains deep, with names like State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, former gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson, and even Lake herself (despite her ongoing legal and media controversies) still looming large.

Moreover, Hobbs is unlikely to go down without a fight. Though her administration has faced headwinds, she maintains a core of dedicated support among progressives, educators, and minority communities. Her team has already begun quietly preparing for re-election, focusing on economic growth, job creation, and her handling of water conservation, a critical issue in the drought-prone Southwest.

A political outsider would face a steep learning curve in statewide policy, debate performance, and navigating Arizona’s increasingly diverse electorate. Yet, in a state that swung for Joe Biden in 2020 and returned to the right in parts of the 2022 midterms, nothing is guaranteed — and everything is in play.

For Andy Biggs, backing an unconventional candidate may be less about the individual and more about the movement. By installing someone who aligns with his hard-right values but lacks political baggage, Biggs can pull the strings behind the scenes, shaping messaging, endorsing key policies, and mobilizing the conservative grassroots base without becoming a lightning rod himself.

He’s long railed against the federal government, vaccine mandates, and immigration policy under the Biden administration. A gubernatorial candidate molded in his image would ensure that Arizona joins Texas and Florida in the growing coalition of states challenging federal authority on everything from education to the environment.

Still, Biggs is not without his detractors. Critics argue that his brand of politics — marked by election denialism, hardline rhetoric, and allegiance to former President Trump — may turn off moderates and independents, especially in fast-growing metro areas like Phoenix and Tucson.

Democrats are expected to frame any Biggs-backed candidate as a “proxy extremist,” regardless of the candidate’s personal brand. If the former NFL kicker is seen as a puppet rather than an independent thinker, the strategy could backfire.

The public and media reactions to this developing political plotline have ranged from intrigued to incredulous.

Progressive activists have already mocked the potential candidacy as a “Hail Mary,” a fitting pun given the football background. Late-night hosts and political cartoonists are likely to have a field day once the name becomes official. But dismissing the candidacy outright may be a mistake — especially in a state where populist underdogs have often outperformed expectations.

Meanwhile, conservative outlets have begun cautiously floating trial balloons about the strategy, highlighting the candidate’s community involvement and apolitical reputation. Fox News and talk radio programs popular in Arizona have speculated about the potential “breath of fresh air” such a candidate could bring, contrasting it with what they describe as Hobbs’ “bureaucratic aloofness.”

Even some Democrats have privately acknowledged the potential potency of the move, particularly if the candidate can connect with disaffected voters who feel alienated by both parties.

Ultimately, this moment underscores the broader identity crisis gripping Arizona politics. Once a Republican stronghold, the state is now a true battleground. Democrats control the governorship and the U.S. Senate, while Republicans maintain the state legislature and many county offices.

As demographics shift — with an influx of young professionals, Latino voters, and retirees from blue states — the electorate becomes harder to predict and more susceptible to unconventional appeals.

The 2026 gubernatorial race will test whether Arizona’s voters are ready to move beyond the Kari Lake-style firebrand or if they prefer an even more radical departure: a candidate with no political resume, but a strong leg and a famous name.

Andy Biggs’ attempt to recruit a former NFL kicker to unseat Katie Hobbs is nothing short of a political gamble. It combines celebrity politics with grassroots conservatism, banking on the idea that charisma, relatability, and outsider appeal can triumph over incumbency, policy expertise, and party infrastructure.

It could be a stroke of genius — ushering in a new kind of candidate for a new kind of Arizona.

Or it could fall flat — exposing the limits of spectacle and the challenges of governing once the crowd noise fades.

Either way, the race for Arizona’s highest office just got a lot more interesting.