Hines Ward: Winner of “Dancing With the Stars” Season 12

With a Super Bowl ring already under his belt, Hines Ward can have one more big accomplishment: Winner of the 12^th season of Dancing with the Stars

This is the sixth time a professional athlete has won on the dancing competition in the past 12 seasons.

Three Olympians, two football stars and one race car driver have all come in first place in their seasons of Dancing with the Stars.

Ward was up against Kirstie Alley and Chelsea Kane. The actresses finished second and third, respectively.

Ward, who is a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, said his dancing skills are all because of Kym Johnson.

It's special, the Super Bowl most valuable player said. With football, it takes all 53 guys. With the mirrorball, it was just Kym and I together in the studio putting in the hours. I'm just glad I didn't let her down.

Ward received the praise of the judges from the very beginning of the 10-week competition.

We've had some great footballers on Dancing with the Stars, but I don't think any compare with Hines Ward, judge Len Goodman said.

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba also praised Ward.

I'm so impressed with you, the way you partnered with her through that routine. The connection was beyond what we ask for in a dance routine.