In September 2009 we highlighted a report from the Center for Responsive Politics regarding the political contributions made by NFL owners, players and coaches.
On October 7, the Center for Responsive Politics released an updated report that shows a majority of NFL owners and players continue to give more money to Republicans than Democrats.
The 32 NFL franchises contributed more than $1.4 million to various politicians since January 2009, with more than $970,000 of that amount going to Republicans.
The Houston Texans were the most politically active franchise in the NFL, with team owner Robert McNair contributing $215,200 to political campaigns.
The Texans gave 98 percent of their $293,100 total to Republicans, with only $5,800 going to Democrats.
The San Diego Chargers have been very active in political efforts over the years and continue to give money to various candidates.
The Chargers made contributions totaling $171,523 since January 2009, with $136,100 of that amount going to Republicans.
In addition to the Texans and Chargers, teams that gave almost exclusively to Republicans included the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and the Carolina Panthers.
Franchises that gave a higher percentage of their contributions to Democrats include the Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants.
The NFL’s right leaning political contributions is in line with a growing trend among owners of professional sports teams that are giving more money to Republicans.
In August Forbes reported that Philadelphia 76ers owner Joshua Harris donated to Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s campaign.
Harris is among 67 individuals that reside in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut that donated to Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign but have since directed contributions amounting to more than $147,000 toward Romney’s presidential campaign.
