Retired quarterback Peyton Manning has a big fan on the sidelines should the GOP-leaning field general jump into politics in 2020.
Sen. John McCain reportedly weighed in on speculation the former University of Tennessee quarterback might be interested in running for the Senate from Tennessee in 2020, calling him a "national hero."
"I can't think of a finer example of an American who has inspired so many young people," McCain told celebrity news site TMZ.com when asked about the rumors.
Asked if he would coach Manning should he get elected to the upper chamber, McCain joked, "depends on who he's voting against."
There is still a pretty solid blocker in the way of a Manning run.
According to ABC affiliate WATE, current GOPSen. Lamar Alexander has no immediate plans to retire in 2020.
"Like everybody else in Tennessee, Senator Alexander is a big fan of Peyton Manning," a spokesman for Alexander said, the station reported. "The senator has made no formal decision about 2020, but he's fundraising and taking the steps one would take to prepare for re-election."
Manning hasn't made any public statement about his political plans.
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