Overview
Emmitt Smith appeared on season 6 of Dancing with the Stars in 2008 partnered with professional dancer Cheryl Burke. He was the first NFL star to compete on the show and finished in third place. This profile explains his season, performances, and lasting influence on the series.
Background on Emmitt Smith
Emmitt Smith is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League for 15 seasons, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys. He is a ten-time Pro Bowl selection, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. His television presence prior to DWTS included sports commentary and guest appearances, but his participation marked one of his first major entertainment competition roles.
Season 6 of Dancing with the Stars
In 2008, season 6 of Dancing with the Stars paired Emmitt Smith with professional dancer Cheryl Burke. The season featured a mix of celebrities from sports, entertainment, and reality television, competing in ballroom and Latin dances in front of a live studio audience and judges. At 37 years old at the time, Smith brought visibility to the show among male sports fans.
Partners and Choreography
Cheryl Burke, a longtime DWTS professional, guided Smith through both group and individual routines. Their partnership emphasized theatrical storytelling, with routines including the foxtrot, rumba, paso doble, and jive. Burke’s experience helped Smith develop confidence in dance technique, stage presence, and rhythm.
Notable Performances and Scores
Smith consistently performed well in the competition, earning high scores from judges for technical execution and entertainment value. Key performances included the cha-cha-cha, tango, and samba. Despite strong weekly results, he was eliminated near the semifinals, finishing in third place overall.
Results and Impact
Finishing third on season 6 was considered a strong result for Emmitt Smith, validating his ability to train and perform under the pressure of live television competition. His season helped broaden DWTS audience demographics, attracting viewers interested in sports alongside traditional entertainment fans.
Influence on Future Seasons
Smith’s participation set a precedent for future athletes on Dancing with the Stars, showing that former professional players could compete successfully on the show. This opened doors for additional sports figures in subsequent seasons, influencing casting strategies and audience expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which season was Emmitt Smith on Dancing with the Stars? He competed in season 6 in 2008.
- Who was his dance partner? His partner was professional dancer Cheryl Burke.
- What place did he finish? He finished in third place overall.
- Had he danced before the show? No, this was his first major dance competition experience.
- Did he return for a later season? No, he has not returned to compete in a later season.
Comparison with Other Athlete Seasons
| Athlete | Season | Partner | Finish | Notable Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmitt Smith | Season 6 (2008) | Cheryl Burke | 3rd | Theatrical storytelling, strong rumba |
| Hines Ward | Season 4 (2007) | Kym Johnson | 1st | Sharp Latin technique |
| Apolo Anton Ohno | Season 4 (2007) | Julianne Hough | 2nd | Speed-based quickstep |
| Michael Sam | Season 19 (2014) | Peta Murgatroyd | 11th | Ballroom fundamentals |
Key Takeaways
- Emmitt Smith competed in season 6 of Dancing with the Stars in 2008 with Cheryl Burke.
- He finished third, showing strong performance across multiple dance styles.
- His participation helped introduce DWTS to sports fans and encouraged future athlete casting.
- The season emphasized storytelling in dance, with routines tailored to his background.
- Smith’s appearance remains a notable example of crossover sports-entertainment collaboration.