Packers’ Driver Captures ‘Dancing’ Title

Maybe it’s time for the folks at “Dancing With the Stars” to reconsider the participants for the ABC program. Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver became the seventh athlete to win in the show’s 14 seasons. Driver and dance partner Peta Murgatroyd captured the mirror ball trophy by being named the Season 14 winners Tuesday night (May 22).

Green Bay receiver Donald Driver and professional dancer Peta Murgatroyd in Packers-colored costumes.

“I would have to say it was a miracle,” Driver told media in Los Angeles.

“We did what we had to do on the floor, and we knew we had to leave it up to the judges and the fans. The fans made the decision, and the fans loved our freestyle [Monday] night. I think the freestyle put us on top, and after that, there was no looking back.”

The runner-up was Welsh opera singer Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas.

“We’ve grown to love him and his family, so you can’t not be happy for him,” Katherine said of Driver. “I’m really happy with second; it’s more than I imagined.”

In third place were actor William Levy and Cheryl Burke.

Peta Murgatroyd wins her first "Dancing With the Stars" mirror ball. She couldn't have done it without Green Bay Packers receiver Donald Driver.

“This has been the most competitive season ever,” Cheryl said. “The top six of this show could easily have won any other season.”

Driver is the third NFL player to win. He joins Hines Ward and Emmitt Smith in that group.

“We’ve had some great footballers on the show over the years,” judge Len Goodman told Driver. “My feeling is you are the best we’ve had.”

Peta wins after having been a previous dancing partner with Meta World Peace (the former Ron Artest) of the Los Angeles Lakers. That was last season when she and MWP were the first couple eliminated.

Athletes to Win “Dancing With the Stars”
Donald Driver, football (Season 14)
Hines Ward, football (Season 12)
Shawn Johnson, gymnastics (Season 8)
Kristi Yamaguchi, figure skating (Season 6)
Helio Castroneves, auto racing (Season 5)
Apolo Ohno, speed skating (Season 4)
Emmitt Smith, football (Season 3)

Driver’s final dance Tuesday night:

Driver’s performances from Monday’s show:

For those desiring more Katherine Jenkins, try this:

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