Mirror Ball Trophy v. Super Bowl Ring

Aw, man - I can't believe it ... it may take a while for me to process this.

I'm one of those people who has to have the TV on even if I'm not really watching it. Psychologically, it's because I don't like being alone with myself or something like that. But that's another column...

Yesterday, I was cleaning the house (no, that's not the unbelievable part) with the news on in the background. "Dancing With The Stars" was announcing the line-up for next season (yep, this is what passes for news nowadays). Out of the corner of my ear, I hear "Pittsburgh Steeler ----". I didn't even turn to look - I immediately thought of Hall of Famer wide receiver Lynn Swann, who, by the way, I thought would be an excellent choice.

Then this morning I see that, no - it's not Lynn Swann, it's not Terry Bradshaw, it's not even Big Ben... it's Hines Ward!!! #86!! The only Steeler that actually showed up at the Super Bowl!! I was shocked - SHOCKED I tell you!

I know you're thinking, "So what? Who cares?" Well, there are a couple of reasons this disturbed me:

1. The "stars" on DWTS are, for the most part, "has-beens". Not that I disliked them all - I actually liked quite a few, but as with all the other "celebrity" shows, the majority of them haven't been "stars" in many, many years.

2. I can already hear the derisive comments from the Cheeseheads*: "Well, if you can't win the Super Bowl Ring, I guess this is just as good." (And don't even get me started on the Cowboys and Patriots!)

However, after reading the post on Steelers.com (http://www.steelers.com/), I decided this doesn't have to be a bad thing. Hines Ward seems to have a good attitude about it - approaching it as a fun endeavor, but admitting that, because of his competitive nature - he IS going for the win!

Well, I'm still not totally convinced, but I'm with-holding judgement while I ponder on it some more. I'm already realizing at least one positive aspect of it - I'll get to see Hines Ward in something other than football padding! OOH, and what about those behind-the-scenes clips - they always flash plenty of skin during the practice sessions. Okay, this might be acceptable!

Anticipation.... Anticipa-a-tion... (Get it? A ketchup reference - from the old commercial - Heinz ketchup, too if I remember correctly!)

Stay tuned...