NFL player John Runyan confirmed Tuesday night that he will challenge freshman Rep. John Adler (D) in New Jersey’s 3rd district.

Runyan, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, also announced that he had signed on to play the rest of the season with the San Diego Chargers and will then jump into the campaign.

“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,” he said in a statement.

Runyan indicated earlier this month that he was looking at the race. And while his football playing may keep him off the campaign trail for a few more months, he has the capacity to self-fund and a head start in name recognition thanks to his days as an Eagle.