Dancing with the Stars Season 22 Premiere Recap

So the 22nd season of Dancing with the Stars is underway, and I’m probably in the minority of men who actually admit to being a fan of the show. But it actually is a really good show—especially with Erin Andrews as co-host!

My wife, Corey, has watched every season, and since there’s a shortage of sports on TV these days on Monday nights, what the heck! I’ve become a fan, too.

I have to congratulate the producers who have assembled a very high-profile, diverse cast this season.

I mean, if you’re over 40, who didn’t love Tootie on Facts of Life in the 80s? Plus, former NFL and CFL quarterback Doug Flutie is trying his hardest, but probably won’t be around too long. You can probably say the same thing for journalist Geraldo Rivera, who was just awful on opening night. Jodi Sweetin, child star from Full House, now Fuller House, is pretty good, as is fellow actress Mischa Barton and Trump’s ex Marla Maples. I was really happy for Wanya Morris, the Boyz II Men crooner, who can really move. But Nyle DiMarco, who is hearing impaired, was really impressive. I mean, can you imagine NOT being able to hear the music and dancing? He got very high scores on first night and they were well deserved. DiMarco is a native New Yorker and was born into a large multigenerational deaf family.  He was the standout star and winner of America’s Next Top Model. Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist on Good Morning America and Paige VanZant, 21, the youngest UFC fighter, will also do very well.

But being a Steelers fan, I’m watching this season to see my man Antonio Brown—one of the best receivers in pro football, who should be around for a long time. What else would you expect from a Steeler, huh? I’ll bet linebacker Vonn Miller has a good shot to advance a long way, too. He’s the Super Bowl 50 MVP from the Denver Broncos who did well in his first night for being a large man. All the football players have tons of fans and usually good foot work, which translates well to the ballroom.

The fans of DWTS vote to see who advances each week, so the celebrities who have more fans and social media followers tend to stick around, longer than deserved. I fully expect AB to be in the finals and follow in the footsteps of former Steeler Hines Ward, who won the mirrored ball in Season 12 with pro Kym Johnson. NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith also won DWTS, Season 3, with Cheryl Burke.
There have been a bunch of NFL players and pro athletes on Dancing With the Stars over the years, but watching actors and actresses, covered in toner and spray tans, is actually pretty fun. I mean, Feherty is on Golf Channel on the same night, but a lot of my Mondays for the next few months will be spent watching DWTS, and I’m not ashamed to say it.