Seven football figures who have spoken at political conventions

Including speeches by Joe Gibbs, Jason Sehorn and yes—The Rock.

The 2016 Republican National Convention will feature speeches from UFC president Dana White and LPGA golfer Natalie Gulbis, according to a report by The New York Times.

However, despite numerous rumors that NFL quarterback Tim Tebow would be among those to declare support for the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, Tebow took to Instagram on Thursday to affirm that he would not be speaking at the Convention, and that he never intended to do so.

Trump has touted his departure from convention at the Republican National Convention by including non-politicians on the slate of speakers. But despite Trump’s quest to be unorthodox, he is not the first nominee to include athletes at the event.

Here’s a look at seven other football figures—some of whom spoke as elected officials—who spoke at past Republican National Conventions. 

• ROHAN: Donald Trump and the USFL, a ‘beautiful’ circus

Joe Gibbs

The former Washington Redskins head coach and NASCAR championship team owner spoke on behalf of John McCain and Sarah Palin at the 2008 Republican National Committee. He opened his speech with a joke that he was there to support the Washington Redskins, but eventually steered his speech toward his hope for a McCain-Palin presidency to ignite a “spiritual revival” in the United States. 

“By supporting the McCain-Palin ticket, I am confident that we are choosing the right game plan for America!” he said.

Jason Sehorn

NFL defensive back Jason Sehorn, who played eight seasons with the New York Giants and one with the St. Louis Cardinals, spoke at the 2004 Republican convention on behalf of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. He spoke alongside his wife, actress and model Angie Harmon.

Ford spoke at the 1996 convention in support of Dole and Kemp. “I know a thing or two about Bob Dole,” Ford said. “And if there was anything I didn't know, I checked it out before choosing him as my running mate in 1976. I found Bob Dole fit to be President then; I find him even more qualified now.”