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List of Professional Athletes Who Went Into Politics Ranked by Fame and Popularity. It seems that many athletes have opinions about politics. Some professional athletes have made the successful transition to become politicians later in life, after they retired from the game. Some athletes focus on local governments, while others are elected to national offices.
Who is the most famous professional athlete who went into politics? Arnold Schwarzenegger tops our list. Schwarzenegger held the professional body building title of Mr. Universe from 1968-1970 and the title of Mr. Olympia from 1970-1980. He also has had a successful career as a politician serving as the Governor of California from 2003-2011. On top of all that, Schwarzenegger starred in hit movies like “Terminator” and “The Running Man.”
Several NBA players have also went into politics. Kevin Johnson played basketball in the NBA, from 1987-2000, for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns. He is the current Mayor of Sacramento, a position he has held since 2008. Bill Bradley played basketball in the NBA from 1967-1977 for the New York Knicks. He also served as a United States Senator from 1979-1997, representing New Jersey.
Why do you think so many athletes go into politics? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Kevin Johnson played basketball in the NBA, from 1987-2000, for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Phoenix Suns. He is the current Mayor of Sacramento, a position he has held since 2008.
Arnold Schwarzenegger held the professional bodybuilding title of Mr. Universe from 1968-1970 and the title of Mr. Olympia from 1970-1980. He also has had a successful career as a politician serving as the Governor of California from 2003-2011.
Jack Kemp was a professional Quarterback playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Calgary Stampeders, L.A./San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills. He also served in the United States House of Representatives, representing New York from 1971-1989.
Age: Dec. at 73 (1935-2009)
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, United States of America
Jesse "The Body" Ventura had a successful professional wrestling career and he is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame. He served as the governor of Minnesota from 1999-2003.
J.C. Watts played professional football in the Canadian Football League for the Ottawa Rough Riders and the Toronto Argonauts. He was also a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Oklahoma, from 1995-2003.
Age: 65
Birthplace: Eufaula, Oklahoma, United States of America
Charles Barkley played in the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. He is a member of the Republican party and he has announced his intentions to run for the Governor of Alabama in 1995 and again in 2008. Both times, Barkley promoted the campaigns for years before ultimately deciding not to run. More recently, he has suggested that he will run for Governor in 2014. Let's watch...
Age: 59
Birthplace: Leeds, Alabama, United States of America
