Former Packers safety Aaron Rouse is running for political office in Virginia

DJ Dunson
Aaron Rouse is embarking on a post-career endeavor into city politics. (Getty)
Aaron Rouse is embarking on a post-career endeavor into city politics. (Getty)

So much for sticking to sports. Former Green Bay Packers safety Aaron Rouse is doing the opposite. Rouse gave up the gridiron after earning MVP honors for the UFL’s Virginia Destroyers in 2011 and is now pursuing the equally treacherous profession of politics. Rouse, 34, announced his candidacy for the Virginia Beach City Council over the weekend.

Rouse also posted a note his Facebook page Tuesday discussing his goal of enacting changes in the local government.

“After a career in the NFL I decided to return to my hometown of Virginia Beach, to give back to a community that has given so much to me. Throughout the time that I’ve been back home I’ve noticed some things in our local government I’d like to see changed. My grandfather was an army vet. He taught me the principle of leadership by example – not to talk about change but to be the change. And that’s why I’ve decided to run for Virginia Beach City Council At-Large.”

Rouse is a Virginia Beach native, who became a standout at safety for Virginia Tech before getting drafted in the third round pick by Green Bay in 2007. The Virginia Beach city council is currently occupied by 11 members. While most members of the board represent the district they reside in, as an at-large council candidate Rousey would have no district residency requirement.