17 Most Successful Athletes in ‘Dancing With the Stars’ History

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Dancing With the Stars -Jerry Rice and Anna Trebunskaya
BOB D'AMICO/ABC

Jerry Rice (Season 2)

The former receiver for the San Francisco 49ers finished in second place with partner Anna Trebunskaya.

Dancing With the Stars – Emmitt Smith, Cheryl Burke
JAMES SORENSON/ABC

Emmitt Smith (Season 3)

All-time leading rusher and former Dallas Cowboy, Smith won Season 3 with partner Cheryl Burke. Smith also placed fourth in the ensuing All-Star season.

Dancing With the Stars – Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough hoisting their trophy
CAROL KAELSON/ABC

Apolo Ohno (Season 4)

The Winter Olympian and partner Julianne Hough came in first place on Season 4. Ohno later came in fifth place during his All-Star season.

Dancing With the Stars - Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough hoisting their trophy
CAROL KAELSON/ABC

Helio Castroneves (Season 5)

Partnered with Julianne Hough, the Indy race car driver won Season 5.

Dancing With the Stars – Edyta Sliwinska and Jason Taylor
KELSEY McNEAL/ABC

Jason Taylor (Season 6)

The former defensive end for the Miami Dolphins was the runner-up in Season 6 alongside partner Edyta Sliwinska.

Dancing With the Stars – Kristi Yamaguchi, Mark Ballas
BOB D'AMICO/ABC

Kristi Yamaguchi (Season 6)

The Olympic figure skater placed first in Season 6 with partner Mark Ballas.

DANCING WITH THE STARS - WARREN SAPP, KYM JOHNSON
CRAIG SJODIN/ABC

Warren Sapp (Season 7)

The NFL player and Super Bowl champion partnered with Kym Johnson to finish second in Season 7.

Dancing With the Stars – Shawn Johnson and Mark Ballas
CRAIG SJODIN/ABC

Shawn Johnson (Season 8)

Partnered with Mark Ballas, the Olympic gold medalist finished first in Season 8. The gymnast later finished runner-up on her All-Star season.

Dancing With the Stars - Anna Trebunskaya and Evan Lysacek
ADAM LARKEY/ABC

Evan Lysacek (Season 10)

The U.S. Olympic male skater and partner Anna Trebunskaya came in second place on Season 10.

DANCING WITH THE STARS - HINES WARD, KYM JOHNSON
ADAM TAYLOR/ABC

Hines Ward (Season 12)

The Super Bowl winner added another trophy to his collection when he and partner Kym Johnson won Season 12.

Dancing With the Stars – Donald Driver, Peta Murgatroyd - Season 14
ADAM TAYLOR/ABC

Donald Driver (Season 14)

The former wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers won Season 14 with his partner, Peta Murgatroyd.

DANCING WITH THE STARS -DEREK HOUGH, AMY PURDY
Craig Sjodin/ABC

Amy Purdy (Season 18)

The Paralympic snowboarder and partner Derek Hough finished second on Season 18.

Dancing With the Stars – Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Meryl Davis
Craig Sjodin/ABC

Meryl Davis (Season 18)

Partnered with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, the ice dancer and gold medalist finished in first place in Season 18.

Dancing With the Stars - Paige VanZant and Mark Ballas
Craig Sjodin/ABC

Paige VanZant (Season 22)

Ultimate Fighter VanZant placed second on Season 22 along with partner Mark Ballas.

Dancing With the Stars – Val Chmerkovskiy and Laurie Hernandez
Craig Sjodin/ABC

Laurie Hernandez (Season 22)

The Olympic gymnast and partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy finished Season 22 in first place.

DANCING WITH THE STARS - LINDSAY ARNOLD, DAVID ROSS
Craig Sjodin/ABC

David Ross (Season 24)

The former MLB catcher and his partner, Lindsay Arnold, were runners-up on Season 24.

DANCING WITH THE STARS - EMMA SLATER, RASHAD JENNINGS
Adam Rose/ABC

Rashad Jennings (Season 24)

NFL running back and New York Giant Jennings finished Season 24 in first place along with partner Emma Slater.

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After 25 seasons of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars, the show is returning for yet another season, this time with a twist — an all-athlete cast.

With their competitive nature and athleticism, professional athletes have a track record for performing well on the show. Since the first season in 2005, 62 athletes have competed on the show and 10 managed to walk away with the Mirrorball.

To prepare for the new season, we’ve put together a gallery of the top 17 athletes of years past. Click through the gallery above to see who made the cut!