Athletes who became politicians

When former NBA great Dave Bing was elected Mayor of Detroit, he wasn’t exactly blazing trails when it came to making the leap from athlete to politician. The move has become common over the years, and many a retired jock has gone on to considerable success in the political arena.

Here’s a list of athletes who have become politicians. If there’s someone we’ve forgotten, use the Comments section to let us know!

Bill Bradley: College and NBA basketball player/U.S. Senator

Jim Bunning: MLB pitcher/U.S. House of Representatives/U.S. Senate

Ben Nighthorse Campbell: Olympic Judo/U.S. House of Representatives/U.S. Senate

Kevin Johnson: NBA/Mayor of Sacramento

Jack Kemp: Pro football quarterback/U.S. House of Representatives

Steve Largent: NFL wide receiver/U.S. House of Representatives

Bob Mathias: Olympic decathlon/U.S. House of Representatives

Tom McMillan: NBA/U.S. House of Representatives

Ralph Metcalfe: Olympic track/U.S. House of Representatives

Jim Ryun: Olympic track/U.S. House of Representatives

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Body builder/California governor

Heath Shuler: College and NFL quarterback/U.S. House of Representatives

Jesse Ventura: Pro wrestler/Minnesota governor

J.C. Watts: College quarterback/U.S. House of Representatives

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