Jon Runyan’s political career will have to wait a little while longer.
The veteran right tackle, who had microfracture surgery in the offseason and who has worked his way back in to shape only to have no serious suitors, has signed with the Chargers.
Runyan will fill the roster spot created by the placement of starting right tackle Jeromey Clary on injured reserve, due to an ankle injury.
“We are very fortunate that a player of Jon’s experience and ability was available at this time,” G.M. A.J. Smith said in a team-issued release. “He is an outstanding competitor, and I have always admired the physical, nasty approach he brings to the field every game. He will be added to the mix and we will move forward.”
But the Chargers will move forward with Runyan only for the balance of the season. Runyan says that he’ll retire after the season, and then run for Congress.
“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 said in a release of his own, via HuggingHaroldReynolds.com. “Win or lose, these will be my final games as an NFL player. Last night, I personally informed the Republican County Chairmen in NJ’s 3rd Congressional District that after the season is over I plan to officially retire from football and pursue a campaign for the United States Congress. I want to thank all of the people who have been encouraging me to run next year and let them know that I look forward to a successful end to my career on the field, and a spirited campaign against Congressman Adler in 2010.”
Runyan started every game at right tackle for the Eagles from 2000 through 2008.
In San Diego, Runyan joins a 7-3 team that has won five in a row, and that seems poised to make it back to the postseason and compete with the likes of the Colts, Patriots, and Steelers for a championship.