Herschel Walker running for US Senate in Georgia
Former Georgia football star Herschel Walker filled paperwork Tuesday to run for US Senate in the state of Georgia, running as a Republican candidate in the 2022 election, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The AJC also reports the former President Donald Trump has played a large role in kickstarting Walker’s political career.
The announcement confirms previous reports that he will move from his home in Texas to Georgia to run for office. He recently registered to vote in Georgia, sparking the speculation.
Walker didn’t immediately comment; although he filed paperwork Tuesday establishing his candidacy. A formal announcement is expected soon.
The 1982 Heisman Trophy winner becomes the most famous and least experienced candidate to join the race to compete against incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warren next year.
Herschel Walker’s football career
Before Hershel Walker was a candidate for the US Senate, he was one of the best all-time college football players. He ran for 5,259 yards over his three-year college career at Georgia. He scored 52 touchdowns, but he threw an interception on his only career passing attempt.
Walker finished in the top three in Heisman voting each season, going from third to second before winning the award in 1982.
He was drafted in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys after a three-year stint with the New Jersey Generals of the USFL.
Walker went on to be a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro during his time with the Cowboys. He was the centerpiece in one of the NFL’s most famous trades. New owner Jerry Jones sent him to the Minnesota Vikings for five players and six draft picks.
Walker went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants before returning to the Cowboys to cap off his 12-year NFL career. He retired with 8,225 yards and 61 touchdowns on the ground, adding 4,859 receiving yards with 21 touchdowns and two kick return touchdowns to his total.
Other ventures
Outside of football, Walker has competed in a wide range of events, including the 1992 Winer Olympics. While still an active NFL player, Walker competed in the two-man bobsled event and finished seventh overall. He is also 2-0 in his professional Mixed Martial Arts career, scoring two TKOs as a part of Strikeforce.
Walker is a fifth-degree black belt in tae kwon do. He also made a single appearance with the Forth Worth Ballet in 1988.
Since retiring from sports, Walker has been involved in several business ventures and recently entered the world of politics.