Steelers Legend Hines Ward Finally Breaks Silence on Unfortunate Tragedy Rumors

DWTS loves NFL players. And why not? Over 24 appearances, NFL players finish fifth on average. With their footwork and competitiveness, they indeed put up a good show. One of the top NFL names that pops up when we talk of Dancing With the Stars is that of Hines Ward. The 2011 champ is still one of the most electric NFL players to ever touch the Mirrorball Trophy. Wards had nailed the Argentine Tango while throwing perfect scores at the judges. However, this time, he found himself right in the middle of rumor chaos just before the DWTS Season 34 buzz heats up.

Over the weekend, social media blew up with claims that Ward and actress Julianne Morris had “fallen ill” during rehearsals. Some even whispered about a “DWTS curse.” But Ward came through loud and clear, as he took to social media to clear his stance.

Through his X account, he posted, “I’m hearing that there are some rumors or inaccurate reporting surfacing, regarding myself and an unfortunate tragedy. Please know that none of it is true. Thanks!” With that, he crushed the rumors in one tweet.

I’m hearing that there are some rumors or inaccurate reporting surfacing, regarding myself and an unfortunate tragedy. Please know that none of it is true. Thanks!

— Hines Ward (@mvp86hinesward) May 26, 2025

Season 33 concluded last year with The Bachelor’s Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson winning the mirror ball trophy. And they had set new viewership records. Now, the show is gearing up for a fall premiere on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET.

However, a specific return date is still pending. As excitement builds, so does the speculation and misinformation surrounding the production. But with Hines’ response, fans can rest easy knowing the veteran WR and Season 12 DWTS champion (2011) is doing just fine.

The legacy of Hines Ward

Born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in Georgia, Hines Ward transitioned from being an overlooked talent to a Pittsburgh Steelers legend. He was drafted in the third round by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1998. Fourteen NFL seasons later, he recorded 1,000 receptions, 12,083 yards, 85 touchdowns, two Super Bowl rings, and a Super Bowl MVP under his belt.

And, he made a swift transition to coaching. From an offensive intern with the Steelers in 2017 to his current role as wide receivers coach at Arizona State in 2024, Ward is a force to be reckoned with. His daily routine—starting with a 5 a.m. wake-up and ending in bed by 8:30 p.m.—is modeled for the players he now mentors. “I wasn’t the biggest, fastest, strongest,” Ward has said. “But I knew how to play,” he told The Athletic in late 2024.

Not just that, he has ventured into broadcasting, restaurant ownership, and philanthropy. The Hines Ward Helping Hands Foundation, which supports mixed-race children in South Korea, truly reflects his impact beyond the field. And, as DWTS gears up for its next season, how can fans forget Ward’s move from season 12 from Argentine Tango to Samba?

Ward is one of only four NFL players ever to win the DWTS Mirrorball Trophy, joining Emmitt Smith, Donald Driver, and Rashad Jennings. His 2011 win with pro-partner Kym Johnson was marked by perfect scores in Argentine Tango, Salsa, and Samba. He had an average score of 26.7, as he won the hearts of fans.

Now, as DWTS moves towards season 34, it already has two confirmed celebrities: Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old conservationist and brother of Season 21 champion Bindi Irwin, and rising influencer Alix Earle. Fans and pros alike, including Val Chmerkovskiy, have called for a return of spring seasons, so that more NFL stars, retired or active, join the show.

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