Former Minnesota Vikings captain Jack Brewer described Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan's Democratic U.S. Senate primary as a "warning shot to America," while praising Michele Tafoya as a credible conservative candidate.
"It’s good when you see the darkness before you," Brewer said of El-Sayed. "You see exactly what we’re up against as Americans when we have our major cities, major states, with folks like this winning primaries—on the verge of having control of populations of that size."
El-Sayed, a physician and former Detroit public health director, narrowly defeated U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary. He will face Republican Mike Rogers in November. El-Sayed ran on a progressive platform that includes Medicare for All, higher taxes on billionaire wealth, campaign-finance reform, and an end to unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel.
Brewer acknowledged he had not closely followed El-Sayed before the primary campaign intensified. "Man, I didn’t know much about him, to be honest with you," Brewer said. "As the election became closer and closer, you started to hear and see stories and hear the things that he says." Brewer characterized El-Sayed as "radical" and "confused," stating, "It just seems like everything that comes out of his mouth is confusion."
On the other hand, Brewer expressed satisfaction with Michele Tafoya's victory in Minnesota's Republican U.S. Senate primary. "I was very happy," he said. "Michele Tafoya, who’s a friend and someone that I highly, highly respect—it’s good to see grounded conservative voices stepping up in that state."
Tafoya, a former NFL sideline reporter, won the Republican primary with 52.07% of the vote. She will face Democratic Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in the general election.
Brewer predicted Tafoya could build a coalition beyond the Republican base. "I think she has a chance to bring over enough Democratic voters and independents to win that election," he said. "So I’m praying for her."
Former NBA player Royce White, who unsuccessfully challenged Tafoya in the Republican primary, also drew comment from Brewer. Brewer stated he had met White several times and respected his effort to challenge the WNBA’s approach to transgender eligibility. White and former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom have announced plans to seek entry into the 2027 WNBA Draft, intending to test or protest the league’s eligibility rules.
Brewer, now a prominent Trump ally, urged Minnesotans to reject the state's current political leadership. "Stop supporting foolishness," he said. "Enough is enough." He added, "People have common sense in Minnesota. My message to Minnesota is: Use the common sense that you have."
Brewer attended the University of Minnesota and played for the Vikings and three other NFL teams during his football career.