After rumors circulated that former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning might be looking to run for the U.S. Senate, pressure is ramping up as Arizona Senator John McCain jumped into the debate to praise Manning saying he’d make a fine U.S. Senator.

After reports emerged that Super Bowl Champ Manning might be considering a run for Senate from Tennessee, gossip site TMZ asked McCain what he feels about the idea.

“He’s a national hero,” Sen. McCain told TMZ. “I can’t think of a finer example of an American who has inspired so many young people.”

Rumors have been swirling in the Volunteer State that Manning could jump into the race if sitting Senator Lamar Alexander decides not to run for re-election in 2020.

Even Sen. Alexander’s office has praised Manning but also carefully noted that the Senator is sill fundraising and hasn’t made any final decisions.

If he does run for office, it might not be a big surprise. Manning has not kept himself at a distance from politics. Fansided.com revealed a long list of donations Manning has made to Republicans, and causes showing he has for some time had a keen interest in politics.

Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston or email the author at igcolonel@hotmail.com.