Nick Mangold isn't ready for a career in politics just yet. The ex-Jets center ended that rumor on Twitter, saying, while it was a consideration, he's not running for Congress.
Here's the statement from Mangold:
"I am not running for Congress. While it would be an amazing opportunity and honor to serve the people of New Jersey's District 11, I am not at a place where I could commit to that. I like to investigate every opportunity that comes to me and this one will not go any further. However, I do appreciate the support that was given in my short period of possibly thinking about running for Congress."
Essex County Republican Chairman Al Barlas, in an interview with Politico, said he "had a conversation" with the 34-year-old Mangold about taking over for Rodney Frelinghuysen, who is retiring. Mangold told him he'd "think it over and talk to his wife." It would be a commitment, and take Mangold away from both her, and his kids. The 11th district covers most of Morris County, which is where Mangold lives.
Those quotes and story surfaced on Thursday. Mangold released his tweet in the late afternoon hours.
Just one person has entered the Republican primary to replace Frelinghuysen -- Jay Webber, an Assemblyman from the 26th district, which primarily covers Essex and Morris counties. Barlas told Politico that Mangold is a registered Republican, and he has voted in three of the last five primaries, and six of the last seven general elections.
Mangold publicly supported Donald Trump's presidential campaign and introduced him at a rally in Ohio, Mangold's home state. Mangold, before the election, declined to say what he thought about Trump's campaign proposal to ban Muslims from entering the United States
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Mangold spent his entire NFL career with the Jets, from 2006-16. He hasn't played in the league since the Jets cut him after the 2016 season. But he hasn't ruled out a possible return to football, after recovering from a foot/ankle injury.
The former first-round pick earned seven Pro Bowl honors, and was a two-time, first-team all-pro.
Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.