Daijiworld Media Network – Phoenix

Phoenix, Jul 23: A former National Football League (NFL) player will face one of his former team doctors in a closely watched contest for the US House of Representatives after both secured victories in Arizona's primary elections.

Republican candidate Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker, will take on Democrat Amish Shah, who previously served as a physician for the New York Jets, in the race for Arizona's 1st Congressional District.

The seat, centred around the affluent Scottsdale area, is considered one of the most competitive congressional contests in the United States. Previously held by a Republican, the constituency is now rated a political toss-up, with the outcome expected to influence the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

Feely played for the New York Jets during the 2008 and 2009 NFL seasons, while Shah served as a sideline physician for the team between 2008 and 2013.

During his time with the Jets, Feely was best known for kicking the game-winning field goal in overtime against the New England Patriots late in the 2008 season. However, the team lost its final two games, finished with a 9-7 record and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

He later joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2010.

According to Shah's campaign, he worked as an "airway management physician" during Jets home games, overseeing emergency airway procedures in the event of serious injuries such as spinal cord trauma.

Although Shah was responsible for handling critical medical emergencies on the sidelines, Feely never required such treatment during his playing career with the team.

The unusual matchup between a former player and his ex-team doctor has drawn attention as campaigning begins for one of the key congressional races ahead of the election.