Mangold played for the Jets from 2006 through 2016. | AP Photo Former Jets center considers run to replace Frelinghuysen

Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold is considering running in the GOP primary to replace retiring Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, according to a Republican county chairman in the district.

“I had a conversation with him. He’s intrigued by the idea. He has to think it over and talk with his wife,” Essex County Republican Chairman Al Barlas said in a phone interview. “After an 11-year playing career and a college career, he’s enjoying being at home with his wife and kids.“


Barlas said he’s recruiting Mangold, 34, whose entrance would shake up what could be a crowded GOP primary. So far, Assemblyman Jay Webber is the only major Republican to declare his candidacy.

Barlas said Mangold is a registered Republican who has voted in three of the last five primaries and six of the last seven general elections.

“He’s a different candidate. He gives different name ID," Barlas said.

Mangold played for the Jets from 2006 through 2016. He was famously cut while vacationing with his family at Disney World in March 2017. In response, Mangold tweeted a picture of himself sulking while riding the log flume.

Mangold would not be the first famous football player to run for office in New Jersey. Former Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan successfully ran for Congress as a Republican in 2010, serving two terms in South Jersey’s 3rd District before retiring. And Republican Pete Dawkins, who won the Heisman Trophy at West Point, unsuccessfully challenged former Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg in 1988.