Emmitt Smith Wins Dancing With the Stars

Posted on November 16, 2006

He has three Superbowl rings. And now he has the Dancing With the Stars trophy: it was a good night for former Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith.

Smith and his pro partner, Cheryl Burke, made it official with Wednesday night's announcement that the voting public broke a tie among deadlocked judges on "Dancing with the Stars" and awarded the couple the mirrored ball.
Smith, so used to praising the Cowboys offensive lineman who opened holes in defenses ahead of him season after season, couldn't say enough about his partner. Smart move, and a deserving one, too, since Burke also maneuvered Drew Lachey into the winner's circle when they were partnered last year.
But the last thing Smith should do is sell himself short. The celebrity half of the couple he beat, former "Saved by the Bell" star Mario Lopez, grumbled afterward, "Apparently, world-class dancing wasn't enough," implying that Smith's popularity - and not his turn of foot - is what decided the competition.

After the Evander Holyfield dancing disaster (we were rooting for the big guy, but he looked like a dancing bear), we were worried about Emmitt. But he pulled off his win with style. So who's going to be the next dancing machine? Not Dallas Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens who told the Associated Press: "I don't think you'll see me any time soon on Dancing on the Stars. But you may see me dancing on the star." T.O., never say never.

And Mario, don't be sad: technically, you really were the better dancer. But Emmitt had the heart of a champion and really know how to shake his groove thing when it mattered most.