New York Sports Icons That Could Run For President

Could you imagine Eli Manning in the White House? New York City has produced several athletes that could one day run for president.

Many of us have seen enough jokes about Kanye West running for president in 2020 (at least they better be jokes). So if Kanye can run, then why not one of New York City’s favorite sons?

Most big name athletes have several things in common that bode well for them taking office. They handle the media, in what happens to be the media capital of the world. They aren’t afraid to appear on camera and have risen to the occasion in crucial moments of their professions. When you think about Derek Jeter or Eli Manning, you think about guys that keep calm under pressure and have a proven track record of success.

Many of New York’s finest sports icons are accustomed to tasting victory while remaining gracious in defeat. It’s the aforementioned candidates that make them the individuals who could have a home in Washington one day (in the White House that is–don’t worry, John Tavares isn’t jumping ship to the Capitals). Let’s take a look at some of the heroes New York City has produced who could make a good president.

Eli Manning

If he can run America like he can the two-minute offense, then we shouldn’t have much trouble in time sensitive situations.

He’s achieved football’s highest honor on two separate occasions. Maybe that’s a sign that handling the nation’s highest honor will come naturally him.

To say he’s cool under pressure would be an understatement–an ideal trait for a presidential candidate. No matter how many times he’s sacked, how many interceptions he throws, or how his team fares, Eli’s always accountable and never throws his teammates or coaches under the bus. It’s that kind of humility and consistency that people can support.

Most notably, he’s a lock to show up for work. Vacation days? Forget it, he’s never missed a start in his 13-year career.

Derek Jeter

When Jeter first arrived to the New York Yankees in 1996, it was the start of something special. After a drought of success (at least by Yankee standards), Jeter helped make the Yankees great again.

Captaining baseball’s most successful franchise is something he can put near the top of his resume; captaining the country could be next in line for one the game’s all-time greats. When the game was on the line, Jeter was a lock to deliver.

Jeter was also one of the best postseason performers in history. He didn’t know pressure. Rather, he put pressure on his opponents. Whether it be trade deals, foreign policy, or social issues, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better negotiator because Mr. Jeter always seems to come through.

It’s only natural that the man they call ‘Mr. November’ one day runs for president. It’s a little ironic that the election comes every November also, isn’t it?

David Wright

There may no better candidate that better represents the people of America than David Allen Wright. If baseball’s ‘Captain America’ isn’t a natural fit, then I’m not sure who is.

Wright may have endured several losing seasons as a player, but has always carried himself with humility, class, and honesty. We have seen enough political candidates who are dishonest, corrupt, and fail to deliver on their promises. Wright, who is one of the game’s most humble and charitable players, could give America a great name.

From the collapses of 2007 and ’08, to the several seasons of mediocrity, to the chronic injury issues, Wright’s MLB career has been turbulent to say the least. the presidency isn’t an easy job, so Wright is well versed in how to overcome adversity.

No matter how great the challenge was, he always stood in font of the media and respectfully answered their questions. When have you ever heard of Wright in a feud with a teammate, sound off to the media, or have issues away from the diamond?

He’s essentially been the unofficial team captain since he was about 25, before officially been given the title in 2013. Leadership, class, and the ability to handle the media make Wright an ideal candidate for America.

John Tavares

The United States of America has been through times of prosperity and struggle. The same can be said of the New York Islanders. Tavares may not have made the Isles great again, but winning a playoff series for the first time in over 20 years is worth noting (for the sake of argument, we may also need to look past the fact that Tavares was born in Canada, too).

Similar to the previous three candidates, Tavares has the privilege of calling himself ‘Captain.’ Presidents need to be natural born leaders, and there’s little question that J.T. lacks that quality. Often leading by example, he sets the tone for his teammates and the opposition. His series-winning goal against Florida last year was a sign that the best is still to come.

Only 26 years old, Tavares may not be ready for the presidency just yet, but gives America great hope. The future is sometimes a scary thought, but fear not if Mr. Tavares is running the show in D.C.

Henrik Lundqvist 

Could you imagine a primary vote with Lundqvist and Tavares competing against each other? If you thought the New York Rangers fans and their Long Island neighbors didn’t like each other before, you could be witnessing a small hockey war in the tri-state area. However, we also may need to bend a few laws for the Swedish-born Lundqvist to run, but we’ll figure that out later.

If Hank were to be elected, you’d automatically have the best-looking president in U.S. history. The guy goes from sweaty, physically drained hockey player, to a GQ model in a matter of minutes. That can’t hurt when it comes to acquiring the ladies’ vote.

The NHL playoffs may be the most intense sporting event the U.S. offers, and it’s a type of pressure that Lundqvist has become accustomed to. While he hasn’t won a Cup, he’s always been reliable in net. Arming him with the proper cabinet in office instead of the ice could pay dividends for America.

Mike Piazza

Tragedy is, unfortunately, real. No event in American history has ever been more devastating than what took place on September 11th, 2001. When the city was desperate for a hero, Piazza stepped to the plate and delivered what was arguably the most important home run in New York City’s history just ten days after the attacks on the World Trade Center.

For one night, Piazza helped the city heal and gave everyone something to smile about. When his city, his ball club, and his country absolutely needed him most, he rose to the occasion. It would be easy to cement his case for president then and there, but Piazza has other accolades worth noting.

The Philly native went from being drafted in the 62nd round to playing in the World Series. He knows what it’s like to start from the bottom and ascend towards the grandest of stages.

Actions speak louder than words, and Piazza’s make him a prime candidate for our great nation.