Former President Donald Trump received a significant boost in support from two NFL legends, Lawrence Taylor and Ottis Anderson, at a campaign rally in Wildwood, New Jersey, on Saturday.
Taylor, a Hall of Fame linebacker, announced that he had switched parties, saying, “I grew up a Democrat and I’ve always been a Democrat until I met this man right here,” referring to Trump. He added that his family would never vote for a Democrat again. The crowd erupted in cheers as Taylor embraced Trump, who wore a red “Make America Great Again” hat.
Ottis Anderson, Taylor’s former New York Giants teammate, also spoke at the rally, praising Trump and thanking the crowd for their support. The event, which drew up to 100,000 attendees, featured other notable speakers, including Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), who switched parties in 2019, and North Dakota Republican Governor Doug Burgum, a former 2024 rival to Trump who is now under consideration to be his running mate.
Trump claimed that New Jersey, a state he lost in the 2016 and 2020 elections, was now in play for the 2024 contest. “We’re expanding the electoral map because we are going to officially play in the state of New Jersey,” Trump said. “We’re going to win the state of New Jersey.” The rally, held in South New Jersey on the Jersey Shore, was a significant event in Trump’s campaign, demonstrating his continued popularity and ability to draw large crowds.
“Don’t you just love that guy? I tell you it has been a very exciting day. You guys, not one person left here. You’re still here yelling and screaming,” he said.
The endorsement from Taylor and Anderson, two beloved NFL legends, is a notable boost for Trump’s campaign, particularly in a state like New Jersey, where sports figures are highly revered. The event highlighted Trump’s ability to connect with voters and build support among unexpected groups, a key strategy in his bid for re-election.
Taylor’s endorsement is particularly significant, as he is a iconic figure in New Jersey sports. A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, Taylor played for the New York Giants from 1981 to 1993 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. His endorsement of Trump is likely to resonate with sports fans and working-class voters in New Jersey, who may be drawn to Trump’s populist message and outsider status.
Anderson, another Giants legend, also brought his signature enthusiasm and energy to the rally, pumping up the crowd with chants of “U.S.A.” and “Trump 2024.” His presence helped to energize the crowd and reinforce the sense of excitement and momentum surrounding Trump’s campaign.
The rally also featured a number of other speakers, including local business owners and community leaders, who praised Trump’s economic policies and his commitment to law and order. The event was a testament to Trump’s enduring popularity and his ability to connect with voters from all walks of life.
Despite the enthusiasm and energy of the rally, Trump’s campaign still faces significant challenges in New Jersey. The state has trended increasingly Democratic in recent years, and Trump’s divisive rhetoric and policies have alienated many moderate and independent voters. However, the endorsement from Taylor and Anderson, combined with Trump’s continued popularity among his base, suggests that the former president may still have a path to victory in the Garden State.
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