Heath Shuler: Ex-Redskins Quarterback Could Become Top Democrat in House

One of the most moderate Democrats in the House of Representatives, Heath Shuler is also well known for his less than stellar attempt at an NFL career.

His career began in 1994 when was taken third overall out of Tennessee.

He played 18 games in his first two seasons with no stand out performance to really give the Redskins any shimmer of the hope they'd had for him when he was drafted.

Reaching the low point of his career, he threw five interceptions in a game against the Cardinals.

Foot injuries and inconsistent play killed Shuler's NFL career early.

He returned to Tennessee, completed his education and now owns one of the largest real estate firms in the area.

He now is known for his outspoken views on Nancy Pelosi, the health care reform bill and his support for the Second Amendment...which for most of his Democratic counterparts, is unheard of.

Proudly representing the 11th District of North Carolina since 2007, Shuler made a proclamation that he would challenge Nancy Pelosi for the position of Speaker of the House.

That will not be happening since Pelosi and the Democrats are now in the minority in the House of Representatives after last week's elections, but Pelosi has already stated her case to run for Minority Leader.

Will Shuler keep good on his word and challenge Pelosi for the top spot among Democrats in the House?

If he does, it will be the first time his leadership got him to the top in Washington.

Wouldn't it be amazing to see another controversial No. 5 quarterback from the Redskins as one of the top leadership positions in Washington?

Either way, ex-Redskin Heath Shuler is certainly making a name for himself on the national scene and appears poised to make a run for top Democrat in next year's House of Representatives.