Happy President’s Day 2026!
As we celebrate the leaders who have shaped our nation, it’s a great time to highlight a unique connection between the Oval Office and the gridiron. Did you know that seven United States Presidents laced up their cleats and played high school football? From standout stars to role players, these future commanders-in-chief experienced the teamwork, discipline, and grit that define America’s favorite game.
Here’s the list of presidential pigskin players going from most recent to the oldest.
Donald Trump
Suited up as a tight end wearing No. 85 for one season at New York Military Academy in Cornwall, New York. Trump also competed in soccer and baseball, where classmates recall he shone brightest on the diamond.
Photo from Pro Football Hall of Fame
Joe Biden
Played at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware. Biden suited up as a receiver and halfback. In his senior season, he helped lead the Auks to a perfect 8-0 record — one of the school’s third undefeated teams — while topping the squad in scoring with 10 touchdowns (60 points).
Ronald Reagan
Played offensive line at Dixon Union High School (a co-op team) in Dixon, Illinois. Reagan saw action on the line and carried that experience to Eureka College, where he lettered but had limited playing time.
Below is a newspaper clipping from what would have been Reagan’s final high school football game in 1927
Wearing No. 31, Reagan was the team’s starting left tackle weighing 151 pounds.
Gerald Ford
Excelled at Grand Rapids South High School in Michigan. As team captain his senior year, Ford earned All-City and All-State honors as a center.
Below is a newspaper clipping showing Ford on the All-State team from the 1930 season.
On December 7, 1930, the Detroit Free Press wrote the following about the future President, “Ford of Grand Rapids South makes an ideal center. He is rangy and fast, a good passer, and all over the field on defense. Also he is never rattled, making a splendid captain and center for a great South team. He is our choice for line captain.”
His play earned him college scholarship offers, and he went on to star at the University of Michigan before turning down pro opportunities to attend Yale Law School.
Richard Nixon
His high school involvement is a bit unclear. Nixon finished at Whittier High School in California, but records vary — some sources say he played briefly at Fullerton Union High before transferring, while others note he served more as a team manager. In college at Whittier, he was a reserve lineman.
John F. Kennedy
Attended Choate School in Wallingford, Connecticut. As a 16-year-old, JFK played left end and tackle on the junior varsity squad. Illnesses and injuries kept him from advancing to varsity, a pattern that continued at Harvard where he stayed on JV.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Starred at Abilene High School in Abilene, Kansas. Known as “Little Ike,” he played for the Cowboys and showed early leadership. One notable story: When some teammates refused to block against an African American opponent, Eisenhower stepped up to the position and shook the player’s hand after the game — a stand against prejudice that reflected his character.
Playing with his older brother Edgar, below is a newspaper clipping about the future President getting saluted for his defensive play in one game.
He went on to play college football during his time West Point for the Army Cadets.
High school football builds character, resilience, and leadership — qualities that clearly served these men well in the White House. On this President’s Day, we salute both their service to the country and their time on the field.