Ray Lewis’ trademark squirrel dance may be the NFL’s most recognized dance in the post-choreographed endzone celebration era, but receiver Jacoby Jones is the Raven hero currently looking to foxtrot onto ABC’s Dancing With The Stars stage. Last seen imitating Lewis’ pregame dance at the end of an 108-yard return, Jones follows in a long line of prominent NFL stars to compete on the celebrity dancing competition.
All-time rushing leader Emmitt Smith, former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward, and former Green Bay Packers wideout Donald Driver, have all won the competition while Jerry Rice, Jason Taylor and Warren Sapp finished second in their appearances. Chad Johnson came third in 2010.
Prior to "the catch" in Denver, Jones was relatively unknown to casual football fans. While Jones has been a first-rate return man for most of his six-year career, he has failed to develop into the consistent threat in the passing game that many envisioned him becoming since he was drafted out of tiny HBCU, Lane College by the Houston Texans. However, after reaching the pinnacle of his career, it appears he's ready to capitalize and build on his brief 15 minutes of fame. Although, there is a chance Jones will be a casualty of the Ravens attempt to keep Ed Reed and Joe Flacco while remaining under the cap, this was his best season as he scored three touchdowns in the return game and was named to the NFL first-team. Years from now, we may look at the 2013 postseason as Jones' star turn, in addition to Lewis' last hurrah.
