Hines Ward changed out of the black and gold for a week, putting on a naval dress white uniform to dance, and proved that he can conquer just about any dance routine that comes his way.
Ward danced the rumba with partner Kym Johnson on Monday's episode of ABC's Dancing With the Stars. The couple danced to "God Bless the U.S.A." as part of the show's "America Night."
Ward and Johnson put a romantic twist on the dance routine, something that didn't come easy for them.
"I'm kind of like a cave man in the rumba," said Ward in a taped interview before dancing. "I dropped Kym a couple of times, we head butted each other a couple of times. She punched me in the ribs. Right now our rumba isn't looking too romantic."
But when they hit the dance floor, that all changed. And it paid off as he advanced for another week on the show.
Ward's performance was effortless and once again the he got one of the biggest ovations of the night, with much of that cheering coming from the Steelers faithful in the crowd waving Terrible Towels, including Mike Tomlin's wife Kiya and Art Rooney II's wife, Greta and their daughters.
Ward and Johnson wowed the judges as well, as all three gave them a nine, for 27 out of 30, the highest score of the night and the season so far. Last week Ward and Johnson scored 25 out of 30 and to date have accumulated more points than any other contestant.
"There is always a new leader every week," said Ward in the pre-dance interview. "No one is safe in this competition. I have my eye on the prize. It's all about the dance routine. I really have to go out and give it all I've got."
What The Judges Said during the show:Carrie Ann Inaba - "Hines you make it look so easy. I am getting worried because it's looking so easy for you. But that's a good thing. You have the best hip action I have seen in a long time. It was very romantic too. Good job."
Len Goodman – "It's not forced. It's got naturalness about it. It's got an ease and elegance which is charming. For me that is your best dance. Well done."
Bruno Tonioli – "An officer and a gentleman. Ease of move and musicality. Well played."
What He Said:
Hines Ward – after dancing in response to his score
"That is so crazy. I never would have imagined."
