CLEVELAND — Two men who can trace ties to the football community in Ohio, were victorious in their respective races on Election Day.

Former Ohio State University wide receiver, and U.S. Congressman, Anthony Gonzalez won his reelection campaign to continue representing Ohio’s 16th District in northeast Ohio. The district includes all of Wayne County and portions of Cuyahoga, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Summit counties.

Gonzalez, who was born in Cleveland, has occupied the position since winning his first election in 2018.

Tuesday, he defeated Democrat challenger Aaron Godfrey with 62.9 percent of the vote.

Before entering politics, Gonzalez was a receiver at Ohio State where he was coached by Jim Tressel. Gonzalez was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts with the 32nd overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. He played in the NFL for the Colts from 2007-2011, according to Pro Football Reference.

After his playing career concluded, Gonzalez attended Stanford Business School and launched a career in the technology industry before returning home to Northeast Ohio, according to his biography.

In Alabama, Tommy Tuberville claimed victory in a race for the U.S. Senate.

Tuberville defeated Democrat incumbent Doug Jones with 62.5 percent of the vote. Tuberville defeated former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the Republican Primary.

Cincinnati head coach Tommy Tuberville, center right, works the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA college football game against East Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Tuberville coached the University of Cincinnati football team from 2012-2016. He retired after the 2016 season as one of the top 50 winningest college football coaches, according to his campaign biography. He now is ranked 56th, according to Sports Reference.

According to his candidate profile, Tuberville ran for public office because, "It is time we have a senator who represents Alabama values. Not New York values. Not Chicago values. Not liberal Democrat values."

Gonzalez and Tuberville are not the first politicians with Ohio football ties.

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted was an All-American defensive back for the University of Dayton Flyers football team, and a member of the 1989 Division III National Championship team.