Hines Ward, Kym Johnson Deliver Solid Cha-Cha in 'Dancing With the Stars' Debut, Trail Ralph Macchio for Lead

Last season, the cha-cha proved treacherous for Dancing With the Stars‘ Kym Jonhson, as the Australian former champion was eliminated in the first round for her performance of “Sex Bomb” with David Hasselhoff.

Things went a little better this time around, as Johnson and Hines Ward, this season’s requisite NFL player, scored a 21 out of 30 on the first dance, placing the pair third behind Kirstie Alley and Karate Kid Ralph Macchio.

“It feels good, especially for the first time,” Ward said of his performance. “It’s so nerve-racking.”

Ward is in good hands with Johnson, who carried Warren Sapp to the DWTS finals and won a championship with Donnie Osmond and in the Australian version of the show as well.

See their performance below.

Photo of the day

Should non-retired NFL players do DWTS? Leave your thoughts below.

Quote of the day

“As many of you know, I have been fired as head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers. This really does not come as a surprise to me, but my emotions are getting the best of me. This is perhaps the saddest day in my life. I loved everything about Tennessee, Knoxville and the Volunteers. These were the best years of my life!”
–Bruce Pearl, on being fired

Comment of the day

So, we shouldn’t vote for Danny Woodhead?

“I’ve worked in the video game business. And honestly I would prefer not to see a Pats player on the cover, because the curse seems to exist. I love the Pats and always cringe when I hear about possible cover selections for Madden. Plus I don’t like the monopoly Madden has on the football gaming genre. EA had to go and file a new contract, and all I want is a football game that isn’t Madden. NFL 2K5 was awesome! That was the last year of multiple football titles by different companies. Regardless, the Pats should stay clear of that cover, just to be safe. Its too coincidental. Go Pats!”
–Sportsgirl