Ray Lewis’ Dancing With the Stars partner Cheryl Burke may still remain on the show to mentor others. After Lewis was forced to retire from his short-lived dancing career, Burke isn’t ready to call it quits just yet.
As one of two former athletes competing on a Dancing With the Stars cast that was not without at least one head-scratching inclusion, Lewis was ready to duplicate the success he experienced in the NFL. The Hall of Fame linebacker played his entire career for the Baltimore Ravens, winning the organization two Super Bowls. The first, in 2001, came on the back of a domineering defense that bullied the New York Giants in a 34-7 romp. Lewis was named Most Valuable Player. Before the second Super Bowl victory, in 2013, Lewis announced at the start of the playoffs that he’d hang up his cleats at season’s end. It was just the type of juice the Ravens needed, as Baltimore’s aging yet sturdy defense held its ground and Joe Flacco tore through his opponents in what was undoubtedly the high-water mark for the quarterback’s career. Lewis, who has endured an up-and-down television career as an NFL analyst since his retirement, was determined to reignite some of that championship mettle by making a run for the mirrorball trophy. His feet had other plans.
After Lewis announced that he’d be forced to leave the competition on September 30 due to torn tendons in his foot, Burke said she’d like to remain on the show as a mentor to the other contestants. She told Us, “I’d be there for anyone who wants help or anyone who wants someone to watch their dance and give an opinion.” Burke danced with former Giants running back and season 24 champion Rashad Jennings the night Lewis revealed he was done. She admitted she’s not sure what her role will be moving forward.
Burke mentioned to Us that the show used to have a mentor, and she feels comfortable in that role. She said, “I could totally fill that spot. When it comes to dancing, they can hire a dancer, but I have experience with the show for 22 seasons that I’d actually like to share with everybody." She also expressed her desire for the show to allow teams more time to train. The competitors used to have six weeks to practice and now are only given three. In light of Lewis’ departure, Burke pleaded for additional practice time, saying, “Your body is not used to the way it’s moving. We need to avoid injuries.”
Lewis was fairly durable during his 17-year NFL career. From 1996 to 2012, there were only three seasons in which he played in less than 12 games. One of those years was his final season, when he returned from injury to lead his team on a Super Bowl run. Considering his competitive spirit, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he makes a chase at another mirrorball trophy in the future. If he does, expect Burke to be a top candidate to partner up with him.
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Dancing with the Stars airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
Source: Us
