‘Dancing with the Stars 22’ spotlight: Are Antonio Brown, Sharna Burgess early favorites?
At the moment, it certainly feels as though Sharna Burgess is getting some of the strongest contenders on “Dancing with the Stars” to work with. For most of this past season (at least until the final few weeks), we thought that she was going to win with her partner Nick Carter. Now, we’re entering season 22 thinking that she’s got another favorite in Pittsburgh Steelers star Antonio Brown.
Why is Brown so capable of dance domination this season? That’s what we are going to do our best to discuss in this new spotlight article.
Claim to fame – NFL wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s been to the Pro Bowl on several occasions, has caught over 500 passes, and has scored almost 40 touchdowns in his career. He’s one of the most feared offensive threats in the entire league, and originally got his start with the Steelers as a punt returner.
Partner – Sharna Burgess. She’s worked with an extremely wide array of people. While her career on the show started with someone in Andy Dick who really never had a chance to win, she’s since worked with Carter, an inspirational story in Noah Galloway, Olympian Charlie White, and even another wide receiver in Keyshawn Johnson. Keyshawn is one of the few wide receivers who did not do particularly well in the ballroom.
Strengths – He’s in incredible shape given that he’s still young and playing in the league, and to go along with that, he’s got the sort of charisma and zeal that many other famed wide receivers have. There’s a reason why this position tends to be a well for so many contestants on this show.
Also, you cannot dismiss Steeler Nation here as a big reason for his potential success. Hines Ward won the show off of the strength of fan support, and even if Antonio struggles at first these people will be there to back him up.
Weaknesses – There’s a difference between performing with a helmet on, and then having to use your personality and your mastery of dance to perform with a helmet off. We’re not sure just yet how he will be able to get into the character of many routines, and if he will really let go and embrace the sequins and some of the sillier parts of the competition. Some athletes struggle to go all-in, and that reflects in how they do with viewers,
Prediction – Pending some major surprise it’s hard to imagine Antonio as an early boot. He’s just too athletic, too talented, and too popular with a select group of passionate fans to go home early, and the history of Ward, Donald Driver, Jerry Rice, and Jacoby Jones suggests that he will be able to do really well.
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