Democrats want Tim Walz to be their sports-whisperer

• "We need some more Tim Ryans and Tim Walzs and people who kind of represent the heartland that we've somewhat turned our backs to," said Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.).

Driving the news: One idea that has gained particular traction is for the Minnesota governor to appear at high school football games in key congressional districts.

• "Tim will probably be at a lot of football games," said Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio).
• Phillips, Walz's fellow Minnesotan, told Axios: "I know Tim Walz well enough to know that he probably would love it, and I wouldn't doubt that some of that came from him to begin with."
• Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said that, in addition to Friday night high school games, Walz should attend college games on Saturdays and NFL games on Sundays.

Zoom in: While working as a social studies teacher in Mankato, Minnesota during the 1990s and 2000s, Walz was a linebackers coach and later a defensive coordinator for the school's football team, according to the Washington Post.

• Walz was known as an avid sports fan in Congress, including participating in a sports-focused text chain with dozens of his colleagues.

Zoom out: Some Democrats are also eager for Walz to incorporate sports into his media appearances.

• "I bet he'll join as many sports podcasts and YouTube shows that exist on the internet. He'll enjoy every minute, people will connect with him," said Landsman.
• Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) noted that former President Obama "did that to great effect."

The bottom line: "Any time we're not talking about politics, we're actually talking real life … we're winning," said Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.), "because the other guys are bonkers."