New Members 2010 - New Jersey

REP.-ELECT JON RUNYAN (R-N.J.-03)

Date of birth: Nov. 27, 1973
Birthplace: Flint, Mich.
Residence: Mount Laurel, N.J.
Occupation: Former NFL player
Education: Studied at University of Michigan and Wharton School of Business
Previous office held: None
Family: Wife, Loretta; three children

Jon Runyan won his first political election ever when he defeated Rep. John Adler (D-N.J.).

Before joining the House, Runyan made his name as a football player. In high school, he was an all-state basketball player and two-time Michigan state shot put champion who earned a scholarship to the University of Michigan to play football.

In 1996, Runyan was drafted to play for the Houston Oilers and played in two Super Bowls — in 2000 with the Tennessee Titans and in 2004 with the Philadelphia Eagles — during his 14-year career in the NFL.

With the Eagles, he was a fan favorite, earning Pro-Bowl honors as a tough-blocking offensive tackle. After retiring from the league in 2010, he became an on-air analyst and reporter for several sports television and radio shows.

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