Lawmakers launch Congressional Football Caucus

On Capital Hill, a bipartisan group of lawmakers are ushering in the football season with the formation of the Congressional College Football Caucus, where they promise to “set aside politics and unite behind their love” of the game.

The Congressional College Football Caucus kicked off Wednesday with the goal of protecting the $5 billion scholarship market for college football players, many of whom do not go onto play professionally and rely on their education to build a successful career.

“I am proud to launch this bipartisan gathering of lawmakers who can set aside politics and unite behind their love of college football,” said Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas), a former minor league baseball player who also founded the Congressional Baseball Caucus and coaches the Republican baseball team.

“We want to ensure great opportunities remain available for our student-athletes who may otherwise be unable to further their education.”

Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) and Williams are co-chairs of the Congressional College Football Caucus.

The group held its first gathering Wednesday with an event that featured Southeastern Conference (SEC) Commissioner Greg Sankey, Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby and Hall of Fame Coach Barry Switzer.