Emmitt Smith Performed on Dancing With The Stars
Former NFL champions joined forces to open the inaugural Super Bowl Night episode of the popular dance competition.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Football
NFL legends Emmitt Smith and Donald Driver headlined an opening performance on Dancing With The Stars during the show's first-ever Super Bowl Night episode. The appearance featured both former players dancing to the Kendrick Lamar track Humble.
Why it matters
The dance competition spotlighted NFL stars as a promotional lead-up to Super Bowl 61, which is set to be broadcast on ABC in 2027. The event brought together past champions to bridge the gap between professional football and primetime entertainment.
Emmitt Smith previously won the third season of the program in 2006. His career includes 3 Super Bowl championships, 5 All-Pro selections, and 8 Pro Bowl selections.
The players
Emmitt Smith
He is a former professional football player who previously secured a victory on the third season of this dance competition.
Donald Driver
He is a retired NFL player who joined Smith for the opening performance during the special broadcast.
Joe Buck
He is a prominent sports broadcaster who served as a guest judge for the episode.
DeMarcus Ware
He is a former professional football player who made an appearance during the program.
Danny Amendola
He is a retired NFL wide receiver who appeared on the special Super Bowl Night broadcast.
The details
During the broadcast, guest judge Joe Buck joined the panel alongside other NFL notables, including DeMarcus Ware and Danny Amendola. The segment highlighted the show's strategy of pairing athletic pedigree with performance art on stage.
Timeline
Emmitt Smith won the third season of Dancing With The Stars in the fall of 2006.
The Super Bowl Night episode featuring Smith and Driver aired on October 13, 2026.
Super Bowl 61 is scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on February 14, 2027.
Season Trajectory
The introduction of a dedicated NFL-themed episode follows the show's strategy of integrating popular cultural phenomena to drive viewership. This aligns the program with the massive marketing machine behind the league's upcoming championship broadcast.
The appearance of these former players marks a unique crossover event that highlights how the league leverages its retired stars for cross-platform promotion. Viewers watching the show may note the emphasis on the upcoming broadcast of the 61st championship game on ABC.
The takeaway
Cross-platform appearances by professional athletes serve as a key promotional vehicle for major sports broadcasting events. Fans can expect continued integration of football-related themes across entertainment media leading up to the 2027 championship.
What happens next
Super Bowl 61 is scheduled for February 14, 2027, in Inglewood, California.
Further reading
Explore more analysis regarding professional athletes in pop culture on the Football section.
