Former Buckeye may run for Congress

Ohio State fans fondly remember receiver Anthony Gonzalez, especially his spectacular catch that set up the Buckeyes’ fourthquarter, come-from-behind victory over Michigan in their 2005 meeting in Ann Arbor.

Now Gonzalez might be preparing for a different kind of catch: winning a seat in Congress from northeastern Ohio.

The 36-year-old Republican, a first- round NFL draft pick who spent five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before retiring in 2012, recently met with the National Republican Congressional Committee to express interest in a bid for Ohio’s 16th Congressional District, Cleveland. com reported.

The northeast Ohio district, which stretches from the southern suburbs of Cleveland through the suburbs of Akron and Canton and all of Wayne County, is currently represented by Rep. Jim Renacci, who is running for governor and is expected to vacate the seat.

Gonzalez, a Cleveland native, could bring some star power to a campaign. He has remained close to then-OSU coach Jim Tressel, who is now president of Youngstown State University, and he is good friends with his former Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

Two other Republicans also are preparing bids for the GOP- leaning seat: state Reps. Christina Hagan of Stark County and Tom Patton of Strongsville.

Gonzalez reportedly has not yet made a decision on running for Congress, but he’s expected to announce his intentions soon.

[THE ASSOCIATED PRESS] Ohio State’s Anthony Gonzalez makes a 26-yard catch in the last minute of play against Michigan in Ann Arbor in November 2005. Ohio State scored two plays later and defeated Michigan 25-21.