Former Philadelphia Eagles star Jon Runyan confirmed today that he’s interested in running for Congress in the 3rd Congressional District.

“I am seriously considering becoming a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District.  Our great country is headed in the wrong direction, and it’s clearer every day that career politicians are incapable of solving the problems we face,” he said in a statement issued this afternoon.  “I am grateful for the tremendous support and encouragement I have received while talking to people throughout South Jersey about running for Congress and I look forward to having more to say on this subject in the weeks ahead.”

The statement was sent out by Burlington County Republican consultant Chris Russell.

The effort by Republicans to recruit the former tackle to run against freshman incumbent John Adler (D-Cherry Hill) was first reported by PolitickerNJ.com yesterday.

This is not the fist time that Adler has faced a potential challenge from a sports celebrity.  Last year, Republicans courted Al Leiter -- a former all-star pitcher who played with both the Yankees and the Mets -- to run against him.  Leiter, who grew up in Toms River but currently lives in Florida, declined, but remains interested in running for office someday.  

Runyan, 35, is a Mount Laurel resident.