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Ex-FSU star Boulware has passion for politics
Sep 9, 2008 - St. Petersburg TImes

TALLAHASSEE

Former Florida State star Peter Boulware can't believe he has been out of the NFL for going on three years. He's only 33 and looks fit enough to be chasing down ballcarriers and quarterbacks. But these days, he's chasing voters. Boulware is running for office, looking to win the Republican nomination to represent District 9 in the state House of Representatives. A onetime Democrat, he faces Jerry W. Sutphin in a primary today. Those who saw Boulware play, whether at defensive end for the Seminoles or at linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, whom he helped win Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa, shouldn't be surprised that he's going after it with gusto. He's going door-to-door to meet folks, standing out in front of the Leon County Courthouse waving at passers-by and talking excitedly about the issues he's most passionate about with anyone who'll listen. "I'm competitive. I'm an athlete," he said. "I want to get out there. I want to be the hardest worker. I want to win. I'm not in this thing just to have a good race and come in second. That's like coming in second in the Super Bowl. You either get the ring or you don't. I'm in it for the ring."

How did you make the decision to tackle politics?

When I retired from the NFL, I never thought about politics. I never thought it would be something I'd do. I have an automotive dealership here, and I thought I'd get heavily involved in that and just work there and be a family man. But then this opportunity presented itself.

For my wife (Kensy, a former FSU volleyball player) and me, this city has meant so much to us. … So you know what, after all of that, it's my duty and my job to try to give back and help in any way possible.

 

What are the issues that are the most important to you?

Really three things. No. 1 is the education in our district. We have a pretty good education system here, but it can always improve. … Another big thing in our district is homeowner affordability, specifically when it comes to property taxes and property insurance. People want relief. And lastly, jobs. Our economy is in a tough time right now, and we need to protect jobs in the private sector; protect jobs when it comes to our state employees.

 

What do you think has prepared you to be a representative?

I'm new at politics. I can't say I'm a politician. I can't say I have everything figured out as far as all of society's problems. But I'm willing to work hard and give it all that I've got.

 

FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews praised how hard you always worked, even saying you weren't a great player when you arrived from South Carolina but you made yourself into a star.

I attribute a lot of what I've learned about working from my parents, but my days at FSU, going through mat drills, going through times you never thought you'd make it; times you wanted to quit but having the coaches say, "You can make it, you can push through."

That helped me so much on the football field, and I've tried to translate that into everything I do. It may be hard sometimes, walking neighborhoods may be difficult, you may think, "This isn't for me." But if you continue to do it, if you continue to push through hard times, then you'll be great in the end.

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