Alumnus Rashad Jennings to appear on ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Former Liberty University and New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (’09) will appear on one of television’s top live reality shows, “Dancing with the Stars.” The Season 24 lineup was announced today on “Good Morning America,” with Jennings paired with professional dancer Emma Slater. Season 24 debuts on March 20 on ABC.

Jennings rushed for 2,095 yards in three seasons with the Giants and has totaled 3,722 yards for three NFL teams since being selected in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He was released on Feb. 14. He is coming off his ninth season in the NFL, but plans to continue his NFL career through free agency.

“I have more football left in me,” Jennings told Newsday magazine.

He will take an offseason break from rushing to showcase his dance moves on prime-time TV, joining a long line of football players to perform on the show, with Calvin Johnson Jr. nearly winning last season.

At Liberty, Jennings set Big South Conference records with 3,633 yards and 42 touchdowns for the Flames from 2007-09. He also made his mark at Liberty last May when he became the university’s youngest Commencement speaker. A native of the Lynchburg area, Jennings is known for his work with the Rashad Jennings Foundation, helping children develop their reading skills.

At Liberty, Jennings double majored in business and sport management, with a minor in biblical studies. In addition to his football career and philanthropy, he is also known as a writer and inspirational speaker.

One of Jennings’ competitors on DWTS will be Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, who visited Liberty’s Convocation in January.