Former NFL Kicker Backs Trump, Vows to Rally Support After Endorsement

When you think of a placekicker, the image that comes to mind is usually a helmet, a snap, and a crisp 45‑yard field‑goal attempt. Rarely does the sport’s specialist get tangled up in Washington’s partisan whirlwinds. Yet last week, former NFL kicker Ryan "Boots" Malone did exactly that—he announced, in a surprisingly earnest interview, that he will stand by former President Donald Trump as the 2024 election heats up.

Malone, who spent eight seasons in the league, mostly with the Detroit Lions, told the New Jersey Gazette that his decision wasn’t a sudden flip‑flop. "I’ve always believed in putting my country first, and for me, that means supporting a leader who’s unapologetically America‑first," he said, pausing as if to let the words settle. He added a chuckle, "I guess you could say I’m kicking more than balls now—kicking up some political conversation, too."

His endorsement comes on the heels of a wave of sports figures publicly weighing in on the race, a trend that has analysts calling the "athlete‑politician" crossover. While some fans cheer the move, others argue that sports should stay out of politics. Malone, however, appears undeterred. He plans to appear at rallies, share pro‑Trump messages on his social media accounts, and even host a charity football clinic that will double as a fundraiser for the Trump campaign.

Critics have already started to question whether Malone’s political foray could jeopardize his post‑football ventures, such as his line of sports‑performance supplements and his weekly podcast. "It’s a gamble," admitted sports commentator Carla Reynolds, "but you’ve got to remember, athletes have always been influencers in their own right. Malone’s just taking that influence to the political arena."

Nevertheless, Malone seems confident that his fanbase will follow. "People who’ve watched me make those clutch kicks know I don’t back down when the pressure’s on," he remarked, his voice steady. "I’m doing the same for our country now. If you’ve got a voice, why not use it?"

The endorsement also reignited the debate about the role of former athletes in political discourse—a conversation that stretches back to the likes of Muhammad Ali and has only intensified in the age of Twitter. Whether Malone’s support will sway undecided voters is anyone’s guess, but one thing’s clear: he’s swapping his cleats for a microphone, and he’s not planning to stay silent.