Post by MFWalkoff on Sept 19, 2018 6:04:44 GMT
DeMarcus Ware
Season 27
Paired with Lindsay Arnold
Follow DeMarcus on Twitter
Follow Lindsay on Twitter
DeMarcus Ware is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL History, and is projected to be a first-ballot NFL Hall of Fame candidate upon his eligibility in 2021. Born and raised in Auburn, AL, Ware attended Auburn High School and played baseball, basketball and track, but was not a member of the football team until his junior year. The following season, he earned team MVP honors. He went on to Troy University. As a senior, he was the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year. His 27.5 sacks are 2nd in Troy history and his 57 tackles for a loss is a school record. Ware was selected in the 1st round (11th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2005 NFL Draft and spent nine seasons with the franchise (2005-2013). He is the Cowboys' all-time leader in sacks (117) and forced fumbles (32). He was signed by the Denver Broncos in 2014, where he helped lead the team to victory in Super Bowl 50. He retired in March 2017 after 12 illustrious seasons in the NFL. Only hall of famers Reggie White and Lawrence Taylor averaged more sacks per game. He twice received the "Butkus Award"—given to the best linebackers in America who also uphold the responsibility of serving others by giving back. He was also the Dallas Cowboys nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award that is presented annually, honoring a player's volunteer and charity work, as well as his excellence on the field.
Lindsay Arnold
Lindsay Arnold won the Mirrorball Trophy in season 25. Prior to Dancing with the Stars, she was a Top 4 finalist and fan favorite on season nine of FOX's So You Think You Can Dance. Born and raised in Provo, Utah, Arnold began dancing at the age of 4 when her mom began searching to find a hobby that she enjoyed. After her first ballet and jazz dance classes, she was hooked and has been dancing ever since. By the age of 8, she found herself a ballroom partner and began entering competitions. With three younger sisters following in her footsteps and dance dominating the Arnold household, her mom opened The Vibe dance studio in Lindon, Utah. Most of her training, however, was with her main ballroom coach and world-renowned ballroom dancer, Shirley Ballas, who is also the mother of Dancing with the Stars veteran Mark Ballas.
Arnold's dedication to her craft has earned her countless awards over the years, including first place in the United States Open Youth Latin Championships, first place in the United States Open Junior Latin Championships, top three finalist in the World Junior Latin Team Match, top five finalist at the World Cup Latin Junior Championships and top five finalist at the United States Junior National 10 Dance Championships.
When not dancing, Arnold enjoys all things outdoors and can be found hiking, fishing, boating or skiing. In 2015 and after five years of dating, she married her high school sweetheart, Sam Cusick. The pair currently live in Los Angeles with their Labradoodle, Moose.
Dancing with the Stars Season 27 Cast Revealed - ABC.com