NFL veteran and freshman Rep. Jon Runyan (R-N.J.) gave it his all during Wednesday night’s 5th Biennial Congressional Football Game between Members and Capitol Police. And he’s paying for it today.

Runyan, who spent 14 years battling sack-crazed defenders on the offensive line, most notably for the Philadelphia Eagles, stuck it out through the entire charitable contest at Watkins Recreation Center but apparently stiffened up overnight.

Adding insult to injury, the cops beat the Members, 27-14.

“It’s one of those nagging injuries,” a spokesman said of the mystery ailment — Runyan had a microfracture surgery to repair an injured knee in 2009 — that left him moving just a bit slower this morning. Aides suggested this latest flare-up might have been more heel-related.

Runyan is scheduled to consult with his doctor later today. Until then, it’s business as usual.

“He’s played through injuries and will work in Congress through injuries,” a spokesman said of the Runyan’s workhorse ethic.

Correction: Nov. 3, 2011

An earlier version of this story misstated the location of the 5th Biennial Congressional Football Game. The game was played at Watkins Recreation Center.