Runyan to retire at season's end

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- NFL offensive lineman Jon Runyan says he will finish the season with the San Diego Chargers, then run for the U.S. Congress in New Jersey.

The longtime former Philadelphia Eagles player said Tuesday he will put his plans to challenge Rep. John Adler, D-N.J., on hold for a bit as he pursues a dream of reaching the Super Bowl with the Chargers this season, but after that will retire from the NFL, the Washington publication The Hill reported.

The publication said that in an issued statement, Runyan asserted his football career will be over by early February at the latest, allowing him nine months to campaign against Adler.

"Yesterday, I received an offer to pursue my professional dream of winning a Super Bowl, and have decided to sign with the San Diego Chargers for the remainder of this season through the playoffs," Runyan's statement said. "Win or lose, these will be my final games as an NFL player.

"Last night, I personally informed the Republican county chairmen in (New Jersey's) third congressional district that after the season is over I plan to officially retire from football and pursue a campaign for the United States Congress," the statement read.