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Jon Runyan

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For his son, an American football guard born 1997, see Jon Runyan Jr.

Jon Runyan
Runyan in 2011
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New Jersey's 3rd district
In office
January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2015
Preceded byJohn Adler
Succeeded byTom MacArthur
Personal details
Born
Jon Daniel Runyan

(1973-11-27) November 27, 1973 (age 50)
Flint, Michigan, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseLoretta Runyan
Children3, including Jon Runyan Jr.
Alma materUniversity of Michigan
Thomas Edison State University (BA)
WebsiteHouse website
American football career
No. 69, 79
Position:Offensive tackle
Personal information
Height:6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Weight:330 lb (150 kg)
Career information
High school:Carman-Ainsworth
(Flint Township, Michigan)
College:Michigan
NFL draft:1996 / round: 4 / pick: 109
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:207
Games started:192
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Jon Daniel Runyan (born November 27, 1973) is an American athlete and politician who was the U.S. representative for New Jersey's 3rd congressional district from 2011 to 2015. He is a member of the Republican Party. Before entering politics, he played football for 14 seasons as an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He was a participant in the 2003 Pro Bowl following the 2002 NFL season.

He was selected by the Houston Oilers in the fourth round of the 1996 NFL draft and later played for the Philadelphia Eagles and San Diego Chargers. Runyan was the last active NFL player to have played for the Oilers. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines where he was a 1995 All-Big Ten Conference selection. In high school, he had been an All-State (Michigan) selection in basketball and two-time state champion shot putter. He retired at the end of the 2009 NFL season and launched his campaign for Congress against incumbent freshman Democrat John Adler, winning the general election on November 2, 2010.

On November 6, 2013, Runyan announced he would not seek reelection to Congress in 2014.[1]

On May 17, 2016, the NFL announced they hired Runyan as their Vice President of the Policy and Rules administration.[2]

Football career

[edit]

Early years

[edit]

Runyan was born in Flint, Michigan where his father was an employee of General Motors.[3]

Runyan continues to hold the Flint, Michigan Carman-Ainsworth Middle School shot put record with a 1988 heave of 50 feet 7 inches (15.42 m).[4] Runyan was a two-time Michigan High School Athletic Association state shot put champion for Carman-Ainsworth High School (1991 57 feet 6 inches (17.53 m); 1992 59 feet 5 inches (18.11 m)).[5] He was a 1992 Detroit News second-team All-State basketball center.[6] He was recruited by Michigan State men's basketball, though he declined in order to play football. He chose to play for the Michigan Wolverines football team where he was an All-Big Ten Conference selection for the 1995 Wolverines.[7]

Professional

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 7+1⁄2 in
(2.02 m) 		308 lb
(140 kg) 		34 in
(0.86 m) 		9+5⁄8 in
(0.24 m)		 5.34 s 1.80 s 3.12 s 4.73 s 24.5 in
(0.62 m)		 8 ft 7 in
(2.62 m)		 25 reps
All values from NFL Combine[8]

Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans

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Runyan was selected in the fourth round (109th overall) of the 1996 NFL draft by the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans).[9] He played with the Houston Oilers in 1996 and became a starter in only the sixth game of his rookie season. He moved with the team as they became the Tennessee Oilers in 1997 and 1998, and finally played one year in the new jerseys as the Tennessee Titans in 1999 when the team made it to Super Bowl XXXIV. Runyan was the last active player in the NFL to have played for the Houston Oilers.[10]

Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]
Runyan (No. 69) in an Eagles game against the Dallas Cowboys in December 2007.

Runyan was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles to a six-year, $30 million contract on February 14, 2000, as an unrestricted free agent. The contract made him the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history at the time.[11] Runyan was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2002.

On March 24, 2006, the Eagles announced that Runyan had re-signed with the team with a three-year contract.[12] He had visited with the New York Jets on March 21 prior to re-signing with the Eagles.[13]

In a Sports Illustrated magazine in October 2006, Runyan was ranked second on a list of the Dirtiest Players in the NFL.[14] Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman stated that Runyan "was one of the dirtiest players I've ever been against in my whole entire life. He was real good at being dirty".[15] Runyan did not deny the charges, criticizing the current game instead: "That's the way the game's supposed to be played. I think they’ve tried to change that over the years. It's turned into a basketball game out there."[15]

In a 2007 game against the Dallas Cowboys, Runyan instructed Eagles running back Brian Westbrook to take a knee at the one-yard line rather than score a touchdown with two minutes left in the game so that Dallas would not get the ball back. Westbrook followed Runyan's direction, the play worked, and Philadelphia won the game.[16]

A 2008 poll revealed that getting blocked by Runyan on a screen pass was one of the scariest things in the NFL.[17]

Runyan held the remarkable streak for an offensive lineman of having started 190 consecutive regular season games. This was the second longest streak among active NFL players in 2008. He has also started in all 18 playoff games his teams have appeared in during this streak.

On January 28, 2009, Runyan had microfacture surgery on his right knee.[18] In February 2009, Runyan's contract expired with the team. He worked out for the Eagles on September 10,[19] but did not sign a contract. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers, playing in five games before retiring.

U.S. House of Representatives

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Elections

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2010
See also: 2010 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey § District 3

In November 2009, published reports indicated Runyan was interested in running for Congress.[20] On November 24, 2009, Runyan announced his congressional bid to challenge one-term Democratic incumbent John Adler for New Jersey's 3rd congressional district, which included parts of Burlington, Camden and Ocean Counties. Libertarian nominee Russ Conger and Your Country Again nominee Lawrence J. Donahue were also running. Even though he now played for the Chargers, he maintained a home in Mount Laurel, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia (and which coincidentally also happens to be home to the headquarters of NFL Films).[21] On March 7, 2010, the Ocean County Republicans endorsed Runyan.[22] On June 8, Runyan won the Republican nomination.[23] On November 2, 2010, Runyan defeated Adler 50%–47%, becoming the first challenger to unseat an incumbent New Jersey Congressman since Rush Holt in 1998. He lost the Burlington and Camden portions of the district, but carried solidly Republican Ocean County by nearly 20,000 votes, far exceeding his overall winning margin of over 6,000 votes.[24] Runyan is the fourth former NFL player to be elected to Congress, after Jack Kemp, Steve Largent, and Heath Shuler.[25]

2012
See also: 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey § District 3

Runyan was re-elected, defeating attorney Shelley Adler, the widow of John Adler (who intended to run in a rematch, but died suddenly in April 2011). Shelley Adler had defeated Jason Sansone for the Democratic nomination.[26] Runyan won 54% of the vote, to Adler's 45%.

2014
See also: 2014 United States House of Representatives elections in New Jersey § District 3

Runyan announced that he would not seek re-election, after expressing frustration with his fellow Republicans over the government shutdown.[1]

Tenure

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Over the course of his tenure, Runyan sponsored 15 pieces of legislation.[27] Like most New Jersey Republicans, he was considered moderate relative to the national party.[28] He voted with the Republican party 92% of the time. Key votes he supported included the payroll tax cut, the Balanced budget amendment, defunding of National Public Radio, and the Republican budget plan.[29]

In June 2013, Runyan was one of the sponsors to pass an amendment to H.R. 2217, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2014, which increased the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grants, and the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (FIRE) by $2.5 million each.[30]

On November 6, 2013, Runyan announced he would not seek reelection in 2014.[1]

[edit]

The following is a partial list of bills specifically sponsored (introduced) by Rep. Runyan.

Committee assignments

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  • House Armed Services Committee
    • Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces
    • Subcommittee on Readiness
  • House Committee on Veterans Affairs
    • Chairman – Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
    • Subcommittee on Health
  • House Committee on Natural Resources
    • Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs

Caucus memberships

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  • Bipartisan Military Veterans Caucus
  • Congressional Brain Injury Caucus
  • Congressional Gaming Caucus
  • House Army Caucus
  • House Air Force Caucus
  • House Coast Guard Caucus
  • House Guard and Reserve Caucus
  • House Oceans Caucus
  • House Republican Israel Caucus
  • House Special Operations Caucus
  • House USO Caucus
  • International Conservation Caucus
  • Military Family Caucus
  • Congressional Constitution Caucus[32]

Electoral history

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New Jersey's 3rd congressional district: Results 2010–2012[33]
Year Democrat Votes Pct Republican Votes Pct 3rd Party Party Votes Pct 3rd Party Party Votes Pct 3rd Party Party Votes Pct
2010 John Adler 104,252 47% Jon Runyan 110,215 50% Peter DeStefano New Jersey
Tea Party 		3,284 1% Russ Conger Libertarian 1,445 <1% Lawrence J.
Donahue 		Your Country
Again 		1,113 <1%
2012 Shelley Adler 145,506 45% Jon Runyan 174,253 54%

Personal life

[edit]

Runyan has three children with his wife, Loretta; they reside in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey.[34] His son, Jon Runyan Jr., played offensive line for the Michigan Wolverines football program[35] and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in 2020.[36]

Runyan appeared as a construction worker alongside other Philadelphia Eagles in the Season 4 episode "America's Next Top Paddy's Billboard Model Contest" of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.[citation needed]

In his spare time, Runyan works as an Uber driver in the Philadelphia area.[37] He is an emeritus board member of the Alzheimer's Association's Delaware Valley Chapter, which represents areas in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.[38]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "John Runyan won't seek re-election to Congress in 2014". New Jersey On-Line. November 6, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2013.
  2. ^ "NFL names Jon Runyan VP of Policy and Rules Administration. He currently is one of the co-hosts of the Stoney and Runyan show on 97.1 The Ticket in the Detroit area". NFL.com. May 17, 2016. Archived from the original on May 18, 2016. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  3. ^ "Runyan for Congress". Archived from the original on December 3, 2010.
  4. ^ "Middle School Records". Carman-Ainsworth High School. Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2010.
  5. ^ "Track & Field Champions – 1990s: Class A". Michigan High School Athletic Association. Archived from the original on May 19, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  6. ^ "Detroit News All-State – 1990s". Detroit PSL Basketball. Retrieved November 6, 2010.
  7. ^ "Big Ten Conference Football Full Media Guide". CBS Interactive/Big Ten Conference. January 5, 2010. p. 76. Archived from the original on July 3, 2010. Retrieved November 6, 2010.
  8. ^ "Jon Runyan, Combine Results, OT - Michigan". nflcombineresults.com. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  9. ^ "1996 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 30, 2023.
  10. ^ McClain, John (April 20, 2008). "And then there was one – After McNair's retirement, Eagles tackle Runyan is last Oiler standing". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved September 30, 2009.
  11. ^ "RB Stewart heads to Motor City". February 15, 2000. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
  12. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (March 24, 2006). "Eagles, OT Runyan agree to three-year contract". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
  13. ^ Robinson, Charles (March 21, 2006). "Bargain shopping begins". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
  14. ^ "Pats' Harrison can't wash hands of dirtiest player label". ESPN.com. October 19, 2006. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
  15. ^ a b "Yahoo! Sports – Sports News, Scores, Rumors, Fantasy Games, and more". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved August 22, 2010.[permanent dead link‍]
  16. ^ "Eagles RB Westbrook credits Runyan for his stop inside 1-yard line". CBSSports.com. December 17, 2007. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
  17. ^ "Seifert: NFL fear factors". ESPN.com. October 30, 2008. Archived from the original on November 2, 2008.
  18. ^ Tucker, Ross (May 27, 2009). "Old man and the knee: Runyan eyes return despite injury issues". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved March 7, 2010.
  19. ^ "Eagles Work Out Runyan – Philadelphia Eagles". Archived from the original on October 16, 2009. Retrieved September 26, 2009.
  20. ^ "Former Eagles player is possible Adler opponent". Politicker NJ. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  21. ^ "Runyan, now a Charger, announces NJ-3 congressional bid". Politicker NJ. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  22. ^ "Ocean County Republicans back Runyan for Congress". pressofAtlanticCity.com. March 6, 2010. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  23. ^ "On Politics: Covering the US Congress, Governors, and the 2010 Election – USATODAY.com". Content.usatoday.com. June 8, 2010. Retrieved August 22, 2010.
  24. ^ "Our Campaigns - NJ - District 03 Race - Nov 02, 2010". www.ourcampaigns.com.
  25. ^ "Meet the GOP Freshmen, From Cotton Farms, Funeral Homes and the NFL", Politics Daily by Patricia Murphy (November 8, 2010)
  26. ^ "Shelley Adler set to announce bid for Congress". PolitickerNJ. January 29, 2012. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  27. ^ [1] Archived December 14, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  28. ^ Davis, Susan. "House retirements fuel shrinking political center". USA TODAY.
  29. ^ Post Store. "Jon Runyan - U.S. Congress Votes Database - The Washington Post". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 2, 2017.
  30. ^ Fabrikant, Mel (June 7, 2013). "Pascrell, Runyan Amendment to Increase Funding for First Responders Passes House". The Paramus Post. Archived from the original on June 9, 2013. Retrieved July 27, 2013.
  31. ^ a b "H.R. 1300 – Summary". United States Congress. Retrieved July 22, 2013.
  32. ^ "Members". Congressional Constitution Caucus. Archived from the original on March 8, 2012. Retrieved May 8, 2018.
  33. ^ "Election Statistics". Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives. Archived from the original on July 25, 2007. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
  34. ^ Brookover, Bob. "Free agent Runyan to visit Jets today: The right tackle is also talking to the Birds. His goal is to stay near home and also get a good deal.", The Philadelphia Inquirer, March 21, 2006. Accessed March 25, 2011. "Runyan, 32, said this is likely to be his last NFL contract, and it is clear that he would like to remain with the Eagles if the price is right. Barring that, he wants to remain as close to his Mount Laurel home as possible."
  35. ^ Sullivan, Tim. "Runyan Jr. follows dad to Ann Arbor". Rivals.com. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  36. ^ "Jon Runyan selected in sixth round of 2020 NFL Draft". April 25, 2020.
  37. ^ Mullin, Matt (August 26, 2017). "Former Eagles All-Pro Jon Runyan explains why he's an Uber driver – and what happens when fans recognize him". Philly Voice. Retrieved August 28, 2017.
  38. ^ "Alzheimer's Association - Delaware Valley - About Us".
[edit]
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New Jersey's 3rd congressional district
2011–2015 		Succeeded by
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded byas Former US Representative Order of precedence of the United States
as Former US Representative 		Succeeded byas Former US Representative
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jon_Runyan&oldid=1251977916"