The New York Jets may have failed to reach the Super Bowl, but team owner Woody Johnson could have his eye on a different prize.

The deep-pocketed sports enthusiast is known as a Republican fundraiser, but the Newark Star-Ledger reports that he may be interested in taking on Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) in 2012. The report, which appeared to be little more than speculation, was based on news that Johnson had dined with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) and likely Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney late last month.

“Johnson has two things that the Republicans, who have not won a Senate race in New Jersey since 1972, would love: ready-made name recognition and lots of money. Johnson could not be reached for comment, and it’s unclear if he’s interested in running for Senate,” wrote the Star-Ledger. “But Republicans say if he is, he’s a very serious candidate.”