Say It Ain't So, Chuck: Liddell To Be on Dancing with the Stars

Yesterday, as I was driving home from work, I heard over the radio that the cast list for the new Dancing with the Stars had been released.  Naturally, I tuned it out since I can honestly say I've never watched the show.  Naturally, my ears perked up when I head Chuck Liddell.

What was that?  Chuck Liddell is going to be on Dancing with the Stars?  No, it can't be.  I must have heard a name that sounded like Chuck's, I mean after all I wasn't really paying attention.

As soon as I got home, I googled it and sure enough, he was there.  Loyal readers, I am sad to announce that it is official; Chuck Liddell will be on Dancing with the Stars.

So what does all this mean?  Well, to me, it means Chuck is either finished in MMA (as far as fighting goes) or he's on the verge of a stellar comeback.  I choose the former.

Most "stars", and I use that term loosely, that appear on Dancing are washed up.  Most have about as much star power now as you or I.  On the other hand some of these washed up stars do make comebacks.  Marie Osmond and Mario Lopez both revived their dead careers after appearing on the show, so why not Chuck?

I'll tell you why, it's because he's an athlete.  Sure Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, Jason Taylor, and Warren Sapp have all appeared, and all but one (Jason Taylor) are retired, and Jason didn't go on to have such a stellar season in Washington last year, only grabbing 2.5 sacks in 10 games.

So where Dancing may revive the dead careers or teeny-boppers it hasn't done much for Athletes (as far as returning to their sport).  So if this is the last hurrah for Chuck, I wish him the best of luck. 

Also maybe, just maybe, he can buck the trend of Athletes fading into the sunset after they do the show.  Maybe this is what Chuck needs to get into fighting shape again.  As a fan I hope so.  Even if it doesn't I can't wait to YouTube the footage of him dancing (even with Chuck I'm still not tuning in), it should be enjoyable.