Politics

Barstool Sports’ ‘Billy Football’ Is Running For Congress, And No, It’s Not A Publicity Stunt

Screenshot (3)
Zack Brave Capitol Hill Reporter
Font Size:

Bill Cotter, better known as “Billy Football” from Barstool Sports, is making headlines for a new venture that might surprise some: he’s running for Congress.

But Cotter insists it’s not a publicity stunt or another comedic bit. Behind the persona his listeners have come to know lies a desire to make a difference and serve the community he calls.

In an interview with the Daily Caller, Cotter said his interest in politics stems from his upbringing as a New Yorker born at the turn of the century. Growing up immersed in current affairs naturally led him to develop a keen interest in politics, paving the way for his unconventional journey into the political arena.

“I am Bill Cotter. I grew up as a New Yorker through and through,” said Cotter. “My interest in politics probably started, you know, honestly, being born in 1999. Much of my childhood was filled with current events and world-changing events, and that always led me to an interest in politics.”

Cotter rose to fame on one of America’s most popular sports podcasts, Pardon My Take. Getting his start as an intern, “Billy Football,” while playing the game himself at Williams College, Billy became a fan favorite for his sense of bro-humor and zany antics. He later became a full-time third wheel on the show, and now works for Barstool full-time in their New York office on various project.

Cotter emphasized his belief in his ideas and his sincere intention to make a positive impact. He is frustrated with the current state of Congress and sees himself as an agent of change, committed to a brighter future for his district.

“I believe my heart’s in the right place,” said Cotter. “The situation with Congress and with local officials has become sort of a money laundering scheme for their gain. And I truly believe that I’m solely there to make a difference and craft a future for my district.”

In a political landscape where endorsements can boost an outsider’s electoral viability, Cotter isn’t seeking them. He aims to keep the focus on the issues that matter most to New York’s Third District, steering away from political endorsements. For him, it’s about addressing constituents’ challenges.

“I want to make the race about the issues, not about individuals, not about personalities,” Cotter answered on potentially pursuing the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. “It’s really about the everyday lives of Long Islanders who see the impacts of the bad decision-making in Congress and want a change.”

The same goes for potential endorsements from Barstool colleagues like Dave Portnoy, Big Cat and Mr. PFT Commenter. Cotter asserted he would not seek their support because he does not want to drag them into the throes of the political realm:  “Honestly, putting them in that position would be unfair.”

“I would not solicit their support. The real answer to that question, and I hope this is what you take away from this, is that they’re not political figures.” (RELATED: Former CNN Anchor John Avlon Announces Congressional Candidacy)

Cotter has been on an unusual journey to politics. He once had to give a presentation on salamanders as a punishment for a mistake at Barstool, a moment that became urban legend for the brand’s fans. Now, he’s running for the peoples’ house. “Billy Football” said it isn’t a shock to himself, though, after the Caller asked what he’d say now to his past, salamander-presenting self.

“I don’t think you’d be surprised. I don’t think you’d be surprised at all,” Cotter explained. “I’ve always wanted to serve my community. I’ve always wanted to serve. However, I could serve the common good, and I think if I said, ‘Hey, in about seven years, you’re going to be trying to undertake a huge, huge challenge to help your country, to help your community, to help you stay in the district’, I don’t think he’d be very surprised at all.”