MINNESOTA — Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy has endorsed Michele Tafoya in Minnesota’s August 11 Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Dungy announced his support in a video released by Tafoya’s campaign, highlighting their long professional relationship and her personal character.

“I’ve known Michele Tafoya for over 30 years, and I can tell you this: Michele is the real deal. She’s grounded in faith, guided by strong values, and committed to doing what’s right, even when it’s not popular. Michele and I worked together in broadcasting for over a decade, and what impressed me most about her is her character,” Dungy said in the endorsement video.

Dungy and Tafoya collaborated for more than 10 years on NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast, where Dungy served as an analyst and Tafoya worked as the sideline reporter. In the video, Dungy added, “She loves this country, she cares deeply about families and kids, and she knows that leadership means accountability and service. Michele isn’t a career politician. She’s an independent thinker and a common sense conservative who’s ready to stand up for Minnesota.”

Michele Tafoya is one of five candidates competing in the Republican primary, which also includes former NBA player Royce White, former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, retired Navy officer Tom Weiler, and farmer and computer scientist Mark York. The primary winner will advance to the November 3 general election to face either Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan or U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, the two leading candidates in the Democratic primary.