December 07, 2015
Former NFL fullback Jon Ritchie, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons, is running for the Pennsylvania Senate.
Ritchie, a native of Cumberland County, said in a news release Monday that he is running as a Republican for the 31st District seat vacated by Sen. Pat Vance who announced in November she wouldn't seek reelection in 2016 after serving 11 years.
"I am running to continue her legacy of strong Republican leadership and promise to fight for lower taxes, search for ways to increase efficiency in government and will champion support and reform of the education system in our state," Ritchie said in the release.
A Stanford graduate, Ritchie played with the Oakland Raiders and started in Super Bowl XXXVII before signing with the Eagles in 2003.
Upon retiring following his stint with the birds, he pursued a broadcasting career and currently works as an on-air analyst for NBC Network and DirecTV.
The 41-year-old is one of three Republicans to announce a bid for the seat, according to PennLive, which covers parts of Cumberland and York counties.
Also running for the GOP nomination is former U.S. Marshal and current State Rep. Mike Regan as well as Cumberland County dentist Brice Arndt.
He's the second ex-Eagle to recently seek public office.
Former Philadelphia offensive tackle Jon Runyan served two terms as a U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 3rd District, opting not to seek reelection in 2014.
