Former Tennessee quarterback Heath Shuler endorses Ed Bryant for U.S. Senate

Knoxville, TN – Heath Shuler, Knoxville businessman and former University of Tennessee quarterback, offered his official endorsement to Congressman Ed Bryant in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Fred Thompson. Appearing with Congressman Bryant on Monday, July 15th at his Knoxville campaign headquarters, Shuler said, “As a quarterback, I know the importance of leadership and teamwork. Ed Bryant is a man of principle who embraces both those qualities. Tennessee can count on his continued leadership, and we can count on him to work with President Bush, Senator Frist, and the rest of the Tennessee congressional delegation to win for Tennessee.” Shuler is best known as a quarterback with the University of Tennessee football team from 1991 until 1994. Shuler was starting quarterback for two seasons and became the Vols third all-time leading passer. After leaving the Volunteers, Shuler played professionally for the Washington Redskins and the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League. After leaving the NFL, Shuler returned to Knoxville and founded Heath Shuler Realty. Shuler, also active as a community leader, heads the Heath Shuler Foundation, which provides college scholarships for deserving high school students. Shuler continued, “As a small business owner, I know Ed Bryant’s solid record of supporting small businesses. Ed knows that small businesses like mine are the backbone of the community. I can’t think of a better friend to have working for us.” Bryant remarked that he’s “proud to have the endorsement of Heath Shuler. Heath is well known and respected throughout Tennessee for his accomplishments on and off the field. He’s used his success on the gridiron to become a businessman and community leader through the Heath Shuler Foundation. It’s good to be on the same team with him.” Noting that early voting began the week prior to his announcement, Shuler encouraged “all Tennessee football fans to head to the polls and vote for Ed Bryant.”