17 Most Successful Athletes in ‘Dancing With the Stars’ History
Jerry Rice (Season 2)
The former receiver for the San Francisco 49ers finished in second place with partner Anna Trebunskaya.
Emmitt Smith (Season 3)
All-time leading rusher and former Dallas Cowboy, Smith won Season 3 with partner Cheryl Burke. Smith also placed fourth in the ensuing All-Star season.
Apolo Ohno (Season 4)
The Winter Olympian and partner Julianne Hough came in first place on Season 4. Ohno later came in fifth place during his All-Star season.
Helio Castroneves (Season 5)
Partnered with Julianne Hough, the Indy race car driver won Season 5.
Jason Taylor (Season 6)
The former defensive end for the Miami Dolphins was the runner-up in Season 6 alongside partner Edyta Sliwinska.
Kristi Yamaguchi (Season 6)
The Olympic figure skater placed first in Season 6 with partner Mark Ballas.
Warren Sapp (Season 7)
The NFL player and Super Bowl champion partnered with Kym Johnson to finish second in Season 7.
Shawn Johnson (Season 8)
Partnered with Mark Ballas, the Olympic gold medalist finished first in Season 8. The gymnast later finished runner-up on her All-Star season.
Evan Lysacek (Season 10)
The U.S. Olympic male skater and partner Anna Trebunskaya came in second place on Season 10.
Hines Ward (Season 12)
The Super Bowl winner added another trophy to his collection when he and partner Kym Johnson won Season 12.
Donald Driver (Season 14)
The former wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers won Season 14 with his partner, Peta Murgatroyd.
Amy Purdy (Season 18)
The Paralympic snowboarder and partner Derek Hough finished second on Season 18.
Meryl Davis (Season 18)
Partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, the ice dancer and gold medalist finished in first place in Season 18.
Paige VanZant (Season 22)
Ultimate Fighter VanZant placed second on Season 22 along with partner Mark Ballas.
Laurie Hernandez (Season 22)
The Olympic gymnast and partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy finished Season 22 in first place.
David Ross (Season 24)
The former MLB catcher and his partner, Lindsay Arnold, were runners-up on Season 24.
Rashad Jennings (Season 24)
NFL running back and New York Giant Jennings finished Season 24 in first place along with partner Emma Slater.
After 25 seasons of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars, the show is returning for yet another season, this time with a twist — an all-athlete cast.
With their competitive nature and athleticism, professional athletes have a track record for performing well on the show. Since the first season in 2005, 62 athletes have competed on the show and 10 managed to walk away with the Mirrorball.
To prepare for the new season, we’ve put together a gallery of the top 17 athletes of years past. Click through the gallery above to see who made the cut!
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