Gallery: Famous athletes who became politicians

Athletes often miss the competitve nature of their jobs once they wrap up their playing days, so it’s only natural that many turn their attention to politics when they’re done competing on the field. On Election Day, as noted basketball aficionado Barack Obama seeks re-election against professed New England Patriots fan Mitt Romney, a look back at the history books reveals that athletes from many different backgrounds have been voted in and out of office quite often through the years. With a list of names including the likes of Ronald Reagan and Manny Pacquiao, athletes both well-known and obscure have done their best to climb the political ladder time and time again. Click here to see some notable athletes-turned-politicians through the years >>