MECHANICSBURG, Pa — Cumberland County resident and former NFL football player and professional broadcaster Jon Ritchie announced his candidacy for Pennsylvania State Senate in the 31st District.
“I am proud to announce my candidacy for State Senate today because I want to give back to the community that has been so good to me,” Ritchie said. “Growing up in Cumberland County with my parents, my father was a car salesman and my mother was a guidance counselor and taught for Cumberland Valley School District, I learned the values of hard work, honesty and the importance of giving back to our community. I love this area and that is why my wife and I chose to raise our family here. The 31st Senate District has been fortunate to have strong leadership from Senator Pat Vance and she leaves big shoes to fill. I am running to continue her legacy of strong Republican leadership and promise to fight for lower taxes, search for ways to increase efficiency in government and will champion support and reform of the education system in our state.
“I have had a very blessed life, from winning a state football championship at Cumberland Valley High School, attending Michigan University, graduating from Stanford, a successful NFL career to my job in broadcasting and now it is my turn to serve the community that has supported me time and time again.”
Jon Ritchie played fullback in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles from 1998-2004. In Jon’s final season with the Raiders, he started in Super Bowl XXXVII. Jon graduated from Stanford University in 1998, where he was recognized as First-Team Academic All-PAC-10. Jon attended Michigan University as a freshman and sophomore and again was recognized as Academic All-Big-10 in 1994. Jon attended Cumberland Valley High School from 1989 to 1993. He led the football team to the state championship in 1992.
Jon Ritchie currently works as an on-air analyst for NBC Network and DirecTV, appearing weekly on NBCSN’s Fantasy Football Live and DirecTV’s Fantasy Zone Channel on Sundays. Jon also works for Comcast Sports Net’s regional NFL coverage and frequently discusses the NFL on NBC Radio. During his broadcasting career, John has previously worked for ESPN.
Jon Ritchie lives in Enola with his wife Marielle and their three children, Joe, Marlowe and Mila.
