5 NFL players who became successful politicians after retirement 

#3 Alan Page

Former Minnesota Vikings DT Alan Page

Alan Page is one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. He is one of only two defensive players, along with Lawrence Taylor, to win the NFL MVP award. Page was also named Defensive Player of the Year twice on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was the legendary centerpiece of the infamous "Purple People Eaters" defense of the Minnesota Vikings.

Adding to his legendary story, Page attended law school while playing for the Vikings and worked at a law firm during the offseason.

He was named the Assistant Attorney General of Minnesota following his retirement before being elected as an associate justice in the Minnesota Supreme Court. He served there for 18 years before retiring.

#4 Heath Shuler

Heath Shuler in action for the Washington Redskins

After an outstanding college football career, Heath Shuler was selected with the third overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). He spent three years with the team before being traded to the New Orleans Saints, where multiple foot injuries derailed his career. He retired after just five seasons.

Ten years after his retirement from football, Shuler was elected to the House of Representatives for North Carolina and took office in 2007. He was re-elected twice more in 2008 and 2010 before announcing that he would withdraw from the 2012 election, ending his term.

#5 Steve Largent

Seattle Seahawks Steve Largent and Paul Allen

Steve Largent spent 14 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he set many franchise receiving records. He is considered one of the greatest wide receivers of his generation and was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Following his retirement from football, Largent entered the world of politics. He was elected to Congress in Oklahoma in 1994 and was re-elected three times, serving eight years. He then ran for Governor of Oklahoma in 2002 but lost a close election.