Former Jets kicker Jay Feely expected to lose to former Jets team doctor Amish Shah in Arizona congressional race

A former Jet had to end up with a win in this one.

Former Jets and Giants kicker Jay Feely, running as the Republican nominee in Arizona’s First Congressional District, likely will come up short and be defeated by Democratic nominee Dr. Amish Shah, who was a Jets team doctor from 2008-13.

Shah declared victory Thursday night. According to The New York Times, he has received 52.5% of the votes (167,807) and Feely has received 45.5% (145,313) with 93% of the votes in. The Associated Press has not called the race for either candidate.

Feely, who played 14 NFL seasons, was the Jets’ kicker from 2008-09, overlapping with Shah for two seasons. Shah reportedly served as the airway management physician on the sidelines, a role reserved for someone who can manage life-threatening emergencies and intubate if necessary.

Feely, 50, was endorsed by President Donald Trump. Feely had not released a public statement as of Thursday morning.

“I'm honored and humbled that the people of Arizona's First Congressional District have chosen me to represent them in Congress,” Shah said in a statement posted to X. “It's not easy running for public office, and I commend Jay Feely on a hard-fought race.

“To every voter in this district – I pledge to be a Representative for all of you, whether or not you voted for me. I pledge to work in a bipartisan way in Congress, just like I did in the State House. I pledge to do what is right, not what is politically expedient. Finally, I pledge to continue to listen to you, whether by knocking on doors or through my congressional office.

“Let's end the political toxicity and work on lowering costs, expanding health care coverage, solving our water crisis, and growing our economy. To our staff, our volunteers, my friends, and my family: thank you for standing with me every step of the way. Now it's time to get to work.”

Feely also was the Giants’ kicker from 2005-06. He was a finalist for the 2013 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and played his final NFL game on Dec. 28, 2014. Following his retirement, he became a reporter and analyst for CBS’ NFL broadcasts.

“I know Jay well, and he is a TOTAL WINNER, on and off the field!” Trump said in an X post endorsing Feely Tuesday. “A multiple-time winner of National Football League ‘Man of the Year’ honors, Jay’s career was ‘loaded up’ with Accolades and WINS. Jay has a great wife, Rebecca, and four beautiful children. In Congress, Jay will fight hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”

Shah was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives in the 24th District from 2019-23 and the Fifth District from 2023-24. He also ran in Arizona’s First Congressional District in 2024, when he lost to Republican David Schweikert.

“Amish is an independent, common sense leader who’s committed to doing what’s right for Arizonans,” Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Suzan DelBene said in a statement Thursday night. “An emergency room physician, Amish has seen firsthand the disastrous consequences of D.C. Republicans’ health care cuts. Amish has made it clear he’s going to Congress to lower costs and make sure Arizonans can get the health care they need when they need it, at a price they can afford. Amish is a champion for Arizona families, and I look forward to serving alongside him in Congress.”

By Ben Dickson

benjamin.dickson@newsday.com@bendickson__

Ben Dickson is Newsday Sports' general assignment reporter. He joined Newsday’s high school sports staff in 2023 after graduating from Maryland, where he covered several of the Terrapins' teams.