Peyton Manning: No to Senate race, yes to Alzheimer’s research
Football star Peyton Manning told a Nashville sports radio station Wednesday that he won’t run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, according to the Associated Press.
“I certainly have an interest in politics and in our country,” the former NFL and University of Tennessee quarterback told WGFX-FM. “I just have zero interest in being a politician.”
Corker told reporters in Washington earlier Wednesday that he hopes Manning will consider public service in the future.
“Is there a chance down the road that he can be enticed to run for the United States Senate or something like that? I hope so,” Corker said.
Corker said Manning texted him after his retirement announcement Tuesday to plead with the senator not to “fan the flames.”
But Manning did show some fundraising ability Tuesday, joining Gov. Bill Haslam and his wife, Crissy, at two private events that collected $600,000 for the Pat Summitt Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports research on Alzheimer’s disease.
“Pat made a tremendous impact on and off the court, and she continues to do so through the work of her foundation,” Manning said. “I am incredibly proud to honor her legacy by supporting the work of The Pat Summitt Foundation and the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.”
…Manning, a close friend of Summitt and honorary co-chair of the foundation, played a big role in organizing the two events. Manning and Haslam spoke at one of the events which also included a live action and performance from country artist Eric Church.
Note: The Haslam press release is HERE.
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