An Iowan will be part of season 11 of A-B-C T-V’s top-rated reality show “Dancing With the Stars.” The show’s season debut is Monday, September 20th and will include Cedar Rapids native Kurt Warner.
Warner, along with the rest of the season 11 cast, was introduced at a Hollywood press conference now posted on ABC’s website. Several former NFL players have appeared on Dancing With the Stars. Warner was asked if his “competitive nature” will give him an advantage in the competition.
“Well, I hope so,” Warner said with a laugh. “But, I’m not so sure. I know (other ex-players) have done well in the past. The one thing I have to fall back on is the fact I’m the first quarterback (on the show). So, I’m the first non-athlete of the NFL players to actually get out on the dance floor. We’ll see if it carries over and I can meet the standard they’ve already set.”
Warner was born in Burlington and played high school football in Cedar Rapids. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa before leading the Iowa Barnstormers Arena Football League team in Des Moines. Some of the other season 11 “Dancing” contestants include Bristol Palin, actors David Hasselhoff and Florence Henderson, comedian Margaret Cho and singers Brandy and Michael Bolton.
Iowa native and Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson won the top prize on the show.