Spokesman says Runyan still planning to run

A spokesman for NFL offensive lineman Jon Runyan insisted Monday that Runyan is planning to run for Congress.

Runyan offered some conflicting signals last week and during his media availability with the San Diego Chargers, with whom he signed for the remainder of the season last week.

In announcing his stint with San Diego, the former Philadelphia Eagle had said in a statement that "after the season is over, I plan to officially retire from football and pursue a campaign for the United States Congress." That would be against freshman Rep. John Adler (D-N.J.).

So people were left scratching their heads when he denied to reporters in San Diego that a decision had been made.

"I haven't fully committed to that yet," Runyan said. "I'm exploring my options."

When a reporter suggested that Runyan had already committed to running, Runyan said: "No, I said I will explore that after the season is over."

Now, Runyan spokesman Chris Russell tells The Hill that Runyan's statements were made in jest -- though it's hard to discern that from the video -- and that the campaign is still a go.

"It was in the context of Jon joking around and trying to have some fun with the beat reporters at one his first press avails for the Chargers. Read nothing more into it," Russell said. "He's still committed to the race. (I) was talking to him about the campaign on Saturday night."