Playmakers to Lawmakers: Black Sports Stars Who Served in Public Office
For decades, Black athletes have successfully converted cultural fame into political power. By stepping out of the game into public office, these trailblazers have tackled systemic inequality, reformed legislation, and advanced civil rights. Far from resting on their athletic achievements as elected leaders, they proved that sports can serve as a vital launching pad for civic leadership. As the midterm elections approach, we’re looking at Black sports stars who have served in public office.
Dave Bing, Mayor of Detroit (2009-2013)
An NBA Hall of Famer, seven-time All-Star, and founder of the Bing Group, Dave Bing was a legendary guard for the Detroit Pistons. In May 2009, Bing was elected mayor of Detroit in a special election following Kwame Kilpatrick’s resignation. Campaigning as a business reformer, Bing defeated interim mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. and secured a full four-year term later that November. He served as the Mayor of Detroit from 2009 to 2013.
Kevin Johnson, Mayor of Sacramento (2008–2016)
During his 12-year NBA career, Kevin Johnson made three All-Star teams while playing for the Phoenix Suns. In November 2008, Johnson was elected as the 55th mayor of Sacramento, the city of his birth, defeating two-term incumbent Heather Fargo in a runoff election. Running on a platform focused on education reform, economic development, and civic revitalization, Johnson became the first African American mayor in the city’s history, serving two terms.
Alan Page, Minnesota Supreme Court (1993-2015)
Alan Page was a Pro Football Hall of Famer and NFL MVP with the Minnesota Vikings. While still playing in the NFL, he earned his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School and was later elected as an Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, serving from 1993 to 2015.
Ralph Metcalfe, U.S. House of Representatives (1971-1978)
Ralph Metcalfe was a four-time Olympic medalist who once held the title of “world’s fastest man” alongside the iconic Jesse Owens. After retiring, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives (D-IL) from 1971 until 1978, where he co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus.
Dave Albritton, Ohio House of Representatives (1961-1972)
A 1936 Olympic high jump silver medalist. He served in the Ohio House of Representatives for over a decade, from 1961 to 1972.
Colin Allred, U.S. House of Representatives (2019-Present)
Colin Allred played linebacker in the NFL for the Tennessee Titans for four seasons (2007-2010) before earning a law degree from the UC Berkeley School of Law in 2014. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (D-TX) in 2018 and served from 2019 -2025.
J.C. Watts, U.S. House of Representatives (1995-2003)
A star collegiate quarterback, J.C. Watts, led the Oklahoma Sooners to two Orange Bowl wins before playing in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He served in the U.S. House of Representatives (R-OK) from 1995 to 2003 and was chair of the House Republican Conference.
Herschel Walker, U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas, (2025-Present)
Regarded as one of the greatest college football players ever, Herschel Walker also starred in the NFL for 12 seasons. In 2025, he was appointed as the United States ambassador to the Bahamas by President Donald Trump after losing his bid for the U.S. Senate to Sen. Raphael Warnock.
Napoleon Harris, Illinois State Sentate (2013-Present)
Since taking office in 2013, former NFL first-round pick Napoleon Harris III has served as an Illinois State Senator representing the 15th District, which covers parts of Cook and Will Counties. A Democrat and former Northwestern star, Harris has focused his legislative career on economic development, public safety, and student-athlete rights, notably authoring Illinois’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation.
