Field To Office: Athletes Turned Politicians

After enjoying successful athletic careers, these notable sports figures opted to run for public office.

Bill Bradley

As an athlete, Bill Bradley tallied 9,217 points during his 10-year career with the New York Knicks. Known as "Dollar Bill," Bradley was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame and had his jersey retired by the Knicks. Throughout his career, he won an NBA championship, an Olympic gold medal and the European Champions Cup. After ending his basketball career, Bradley focused on politics. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1978 and served three terms. In 2000, he sought the Democratic nomination for president, but he lost to Al Gore.

Jim Bunning

Former MLB pitcher Jim Bunning was a seven-time All-Star selection and played for the Tigers, Phillies, Pirates and Dodgers throughout his Hall of Fame career. Bunning served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Kentucky's fourth district, from 1987 to 1999. He was then elected to the U.S. Senate, where he has served as a junior senator since 1999.

Gerald Ford

Before he became the 38th president of the United States, Gerald Ford also enjoyed a successful collegiate football career. The lineman helped lead the University of Michigan to undefeated seasons and national titles in 1932 and 1933. In 1934, Ford's senior season, he was named the team's MVP.

Jack Kemp

As a professional football player, quarterback Jack Kemp helped lead the Buffalo Bills to two AFL championships and was the league MVP in 1965. He also played for the Chargers and the Steelers during his 12-year career. As a politician, Kemp served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 18 years. He also served as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President George H.W. Bush, and was Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole's running mate in the 1996 election before the duo lost to Democrats Bill Clinton and Al Gore.

Steve Largent

Hall of Fame football player Steve Largent enjoyed success on the field and on the campaign trail. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Largent recorded 13,089 receiving yards and 101 touchdowns while playing for the Seattle Seahawks. After ending his NFL career, Largent returned to his home state of Oklahoma, where he was elected one of the state's representative in Congress. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1994 to 2002. Largent also ran for governor of Oklahoma in 2002, but he was narrowly defeated.

Bob Mathias

A two-time Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon in 1948 and 1952, Bob Mathias later turned his focus to politics. The California Republican served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Tom Osborne

Nebraska's Tom Osborne has spent most of his life serving his home state. He spent 25 years as the Huskers head football coach, winning three national titles and posting a 255-49-3 record. In 2000, Osborne announced he was running for one of Nebraska's seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served in Congress for six years. In 2007, Osborne took over as the athletic director at Nebraska.

Jim Ryun

A former world-record holder in the mile and 1,500 meters, Jim Ryun was a three-time Olympian for the U.S. in track and field. He captured the silver medal in the 1,500m at the 1968 Mexico Games. Later, Ryun focused his career on politics. A Republican from Kansas, Ryun served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1996 to 2007.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger first earned notoriety as a champion bodybuilder. The Austrian native was named Mr. Universe in 1968, and was a seven-time Mr. Olympia winner (1970-75, 1980). After then focusing on his acting career, Schwarzenegger later turned his attention to politics. The Republican won the governor race in California in 2003.

Jesse Ventura

In the wrestling ring, Jesse Ventura was known as "The Body." In Minnesota, he was known as governor. Running as an independent and a member of the Reform Party, the former professional wrestler won Minnesota's governor race in 1998. He served as the state's leader from 1999 to 2003.