Dancing with the Stars: 5 Athletes Destined for ABC Smash Hit

Other than actresses from the movie Dirty Dancing, athletes seem to rule Dancing with the Stars. They have the grace, competitive desire and foundation for practicing what it takes to win. 

It always makes the selection of the show's athlete(s) one of the more interesting aspects. This year they went for two with Ron Artest and Hope Solo.

Solo you could see coming from a mile away—Artest, not so much. And that goes to prove that you never know who will be on the show next.

It really only takes two qualities for this to happen. A person has to like being in the spotlight and people have to want to see them there.

The following are five athletes that seemed to be a lock to appear on the show.

Serena Williams

I wouldn't be surprised if this one happened next year. Serena has the star power. She loves the spotlight, and DWTS starts after all tennis Grand Slams have been played.

One of Serena's big interests outside of tennis is fashion. This would give her plenty of camera time to show off her new clothes. It would also allow her to talk to reporters about things other than tennis. All of which, it seems to me like, she is eager to do.

I just feel sorry for the first judge to give her a bad score.

Tony Gonzalez

Tony Gonzalez has had an amazing career.

And as a true testament to his strength of character, very few people hate him. Given the amount of teams he has tormented over the years by making big catches, this is no easy accomplishment. 

Gonzalez is shockingly athletic and graceful for a person his size. He would do great in this competition. He also is no stranger to being in front of the camera.

Danica Patrick

How has this one not already happened? These two entities were custom made for each other.

Danica Patrick is a walking sound byte that captures headlines everywhere she goes. Of course, that is largely because she wants to capture headlines.

Patrick loves being in the spotlight. She aggressively markets herself and it works. At some point, this will happen. I guess it is just a matter of timing.

Dwyane Wade

Conservative estimates have Dwyane Wade spending more money on his suits than I spend on my entire life. It is clear this guy likes to be seen and he likes to look good when he is seen.

I don't see this happening until after Wade retires, but if this show is still going after Wade retires, this is a no-brainer.

You'd have to like his chances too. Well, unless LeBron James decides to be his partner for the last show.

Manny Pacquiao

I don't think Manny Pacquiao has met an activity that he doesn't like, or been offered a chance to get on TV that he has passed up.

This is a guy that seems to really enjoy being famous.

He would also have the energy to do it. Pacquiao boxes, sings, governs and acts all in one day before lunch. He could easily squeeze in DWTS before his afternoon tea.