Colts: Former WR Anthony Gonzalez wins re-election for House seat

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Anthony Gonzalez #11 of Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball while defended by Eugene Wilson #26 of the Houston Texans during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Anthony Gonzalez #11 of Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball while defended by Eugene Wilson #26 of the Houston Texans during the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Former Colts WR Anthony Gonzalez won re-election for his House seat in Ohio’s 16th Congressional District.

Fans in Indianapolis are likely devoting most of their time mentally preparing for Sunday’s huge tilt against the Baltimore Ravens, who are no doubt motivated to avenge their gutting loss to Pittsburgh last weekend, when they blew a double-digit halftime lead.

However, it would also be understandable if members of the fan base have been fully focused on the election results, which are still being calculated. We obviously know that politics are a sensitive topic, but a piece of news surfaced late Tuesday night that is bound to satisfy all Colts diehards.

According to the Associated Press, former Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez managed to win re-election in Ohio’s 16th Congressional District, keeping his seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Reports confirm that Gonzalez received 63.1% of votes (241,656 to 141,212). No matter what side of the political spectrum you reside on, all Colts fans have to feel good for the former first-round pick. His NFL career lasted just five seasons — all of which were spent in Indianapolis — and he tallied 99 receptions for 1,307 yards and seven touchdowns during that span.

Most of that production came across his rookie and sophomore campaigns, when he played an important role as the No. 3 WR behind Colts legends Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison on teams that finished 13-3 and 12-4 respectively.

Want an even more nostalgic feel to this story, Colts fans? Former punter Pat McAfee, who spent his entire eight-year career (2009 to 2016) in Indianapolis, sent out an awesome congratulatory tweet after learning of Gonzalez’ re-election.

Gonzalez retired from the NFL prior to the 2012 season, and went on to pursue a master’s degree from Stanford, which really helped jumpstart his career in politics.

The former Ohio State star hasn’t abandoned his ties to the sports world, as he’s been a prominent voice in the continued fight to allow college athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness. In fact, he co-authored a bill last September that could permit college stars to earn compensation from endorsement deals.

Gonzalez might not have been long for the NFL, but we couldn’t be more happy for him that he’s found his second calling in politics.