Times guest blogger Hines Ward discusses Week 2 on 'Dancing With the Stars'

The Times is pleased to have Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward guest-blogging for us while he competes on "Dancing With the Stars." Every Wednesday, Ward, a Super Bowl MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion, will answer a few questions from Fabulous Forum editor Houston Mitchell and give some insight into the competition. Here are Ward’s thoughts about Week 2, which he offered via email.

Q: This week was the first elimination week. Give people at home a sense of what it is like to be standing on that stage waiting to find out if you are safe or in jeopardy.

It's nerve-wracking. I didn't think it would be that bad, but when those lights dim and that serious music comes on, you are just hoping your name is not called as being the one with the lowest score. I was fortunate enough this time to continue on and it's a good feeling. I really want to go all the way to the end and win this thing.
 
Q: Are any of your teammates giving you a hard time (good-naturedly) about appearing on the show?

Of course.  At first I got a bunch of texts from my teammates teasing me about being on a dancing show.  And I was worried about having to wear costumes that are too tight and too colorful and all because I try to be very fashion conscious. But I think I earned their respect after these first two performances and fortunately was able to wear outfits that weren't too off the wall. I owe a lot to my partner, Kym. She is a great coach and choreographer. My first week I had Franco Harris, Mel Blount and Jerome Bettis at the show. This week my teammate Rashard Mendenhall came. And so far they all thought I did pretty well so I guess they don't think my dancing is that bad. 

Times guest blogger Hines Ward discusses Week One on 'Dancing With the Stars'

The Times is pleased to have Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward guest-blogging for us while he competes on "Dancing With the Stars." Every Wednesday, Ward, a Super Bowl MVP and two-time Super Bowl champion, will answer a few questions from Fabulous Forum editor Houston Mitchell and give some insight into the competition. Here are Ward’s thoughts about Week One, which he offered by e-mail.

Q: Have you ever watched "Dancing With the Stars" before this season?
 
A. I have.  I have watched some of those episodes where the athletes have danced.  I have seen Emmitt [Smith] win and watched big Warren Sapp.  It looks easier than it really is being on the show and actually doing it now.  I give those dancers a lot of credit.  Especially all the ladies who have to wear high heels day in and day out.  I don't see how ya'll do it.  But I figured if big Warren Sapp can do it, then I certainly can.  And so far, I am having a blast.

Q: When were you more nervous, before your first Super Bowl or before your dance Monday night?

A. You really can't compare the two.  I mean, being in my first Super Bowl, I can't even describe the feeling.  I just remember thinking about it right before going onto the field for the first time and how nervous I got.  And I definitely got nervous on Monday night before my first dance.  But my partner, Kym Johnson, is a great teacher and she just told me to go for it, so we did.  I approached my preparation for the show the same way I approach my preparation for football.  And I have a great coach for each.  It's just that one is a lot prettier than the other :) but I have mad respect for both.

Q: Who do you think will be your toughest competition on the show?

A. I think all my fellow celebrity dancers are going to be tough competition.  I mean, you take Sugar Ray [Leonard], for example. He is a world champion and made his living with his hands and his feet.  And he doesn't seem to age at all.  Then there are Kirstie Alley and Ralph Macchio, who both did very well and got better scores than me.  So I mean you really can't count anybody out.  I think everyone is capable of winning the Mirror Ball Trophy.  I think it all comes down to who wants it the most and who works at it the hardest.