Former Michigan offensive lineman Jon Runyan, a 14-year veteran of the NFL, is running for congress in the state of New Jersey. Though mgoblog doesn't endorse or un-endorse any political candidate or ideal, we had the opportunity to ask Jon a few questions about his football career, Rich Rodriguez, and his upcoming congressional race.

Michigan and Football

Growing up in Filnt, were you always a Michigan guy or did you like the Spartans growing up?

I was and always will always be a Michigan Man.

You racked up a number of awards during your college career (most notably All-Big Ten in your final season), but was it a hard decision to leave early for the draft?

It was hard, but the fact that I got injured the year before and missed the Bowl game was a huge factor in my decision to leave. It was a calculated risk, but looking back on it, it all worked out for the best.

How often to you manage to catch Michigan games, either in person or on TV?

I have not been back to any games. I have a very young and active family, therefore most of my free time in the fall is spent on the youth soccer/football fields.

Going on to your NFL career, you played primarily for a couple teams, the Oilers/Titans and the Eagles. When you think about your football career on the whole, which team do you identify more with? Why?

I have to say the Eagles, I feel that I had a bigger role in making that team into how everyone knows it. In my early years (Oilers/Titans) I was young and looking for direction. I learned that from a great group of guys and took that knowledge to Philly.

With the Eagles, Brian Westbrook credited you with the idea to take knee at the one yard line going in a couple years ago. Was that the Michigan education shining through?

We can say that. Also it has a lot to do with confidence and understanding of the people and situations around you!

Michigan Today

What is your opinion of the first couple years of Rich Rodriguez in Ann Arbor?

It takes time. When you bring in a new system and coaches, you have to get the current players to buy in and at the same time recruit players that may fit your system better. But that's the challenge of being a college coach.

Have you talked to Coach Rodriguez at all, worked out on campus, etc.?

I have introduced myself once, the only time I have been back to A2 since he was hired.

You experienced a coaching change during your Michigan career. What was it like to go from Moeller to Carr? I assume the transition wasn't quite as rough as the one Michigan's going through now.

It was not as rough as the current change. I was lucky to be recruited by coach Carr out of high school, and it was't as big of a transition. There also wasn't a huge changeover in assistant coaches (lot of friends in the room).

Politics

Moving on, what made you decide to go into politics following your NFL career?

I have been very active in my community dating all the way back to my trips to Motts Children's Hospital and this is the next step in my community service. Although it is a big one, I know it is the right one.

To learn more about my campaign, please visit my website at www.runyanforcongress.com.