Rashad Jennings made his triumphant return to the DWTS ballroom on Nov. 11 for a special moment. The Season 24 champion rejoined the competition for the show’s 20th birthday celebration. Jennings danced as a pro, partnering with Elaine Hendrix in an unprecedented relay round. The relay dance twist paired current celebrities with former Mirrorball winners.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Rashad Jennings won Season 24 with partner Emma Slater in 2017
- The 20th Birthday Party episode aired live on ABC and Disney+ on November 11, 2025
- Six former Mirrorball champions returned to the ballroom for relay dances
- Former host Tom Bergeron made a special guest judge appearance
- The relay round featured celebrity-champion dance pairings for the first time ever
The Legend Returns to Celebrate History
Rashad Jennings stepped back into the ballroom after eight years away from the show. The former NFL running back won Season 24, earning the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy with Emma Slater in May 2017. He’s the fourth NFL player to win the competition and the first to do so as a free agent.
“It’s humbling that I’m part of the 20th anniversary of the show. They brought back six of their most voted, beloved champions, and I am still to this day humbled that I am one of them.”
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During his three years at Liberty University, Jennings rushed for 3,633 yards. He set program records for rushing touchdowns, 100-yard games, and points scored. As an All-American, he redefined what athletes could accomplish on the dance floor.
A Historic Relay Round Twist Unlike Any Before
The 20th birthday celebration introduced an innovative twist never attempted on DWTS before. Current celebrity contestants danced with past Mirrorball champions instead of their professional partners. Jennings pivoted from celebrity to pro for this special event.
Elaine Hendrix, best known from “The Parent Trap,” partnered with Jennings for their salsa routine. The duo performed to “It Takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock. Hendrix’s regular partner, Alan Bersten, choreographed her individual performance earlier in the episode.
| Celebrity | Mirrorball Champion Partner | Champion’s Season & Year |
| Elaine Hendrix | Rashad Jennings | Season 24 (2017) |
| Dylan Efron | Rumer Willis | Season 20 (2015) |
| Jordan Chiles | Apolo Anton Ohno | Season 4 (2007) |
| Alix Earle | Joey Graziadei | Season 33 (2024) |
| Andy Richter | Kaitlyn Bristowe | Season 29 (2019) |
| Robert Irwin | Xochitl Gomez | Season 32 (2023) |
Jennings shared that stepping into a pro’s choreography role felt “surreal” and “unique.” He led his own solo rehearsal to prepare for the special moment. Standing as an equal to professional dancers validates his 2017 championship and dancing prowess.
Two Decades of Dance Glory Celebrated on Television
The 20th birthday party honored two decades of DWTS history from June 1, 2005 onward. Tom Bergeron returned as a guest judge after leaving the show in 2020. Six original season one professionals performed in the opening number.
These included Alec Mazo, Ashly DelGrosso, Louis van Amstel, Jonathan Roberts, Charlotte Jorgensen, and Edyta Śliwińska. The show also featured a tribute to performers who have passed away. Winner Whitney Leavitt sat out the relay due to immunity from last week.
Other notable performances included Robert Irwin and Witney Carson earning a perfect 40/40 score. Dylan Efron, Alix Earle, and Mark Ballas also scored 40/40 in their individual dances. Jordan Chiles won the relay round with Apolo Anton Ohno.
What Comes Next for the Competition
Only two weeks remain in DWTS Season 34 after the birthday special. Prince Night serves as the semi-finals this coming week. The three-hour finale airs on November 25 to crown the season’s champion.
The couple with the lowest combined judges’ scores and viewer votes faces elimination each week. Live voting continues during East Coast airings. The ballroom will determine who earns the final Mirrorball Trophy of the season.
Does Rashad Jenning’s Return Signal More Champion Returns?
Jennings said his Liberty family showed incredible support during his 2017 finale. Hundreds gathered on campus for a watch party. He remains connected to the university where he earned success before the NFL.
His return suggests the show values celebrating past champions during milestone anniversaries. Will we see more DWTS legends in future celebrations? The relay round proved that champion dancers still have the magic. Fans loved seeing proven winners take center stage alongside new contestants chasing their own trophies.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter – Comprehensive coverage of the 20th Birthday Party episode scores and results
- People Magazine – Full list of celebrity-champion pairings and performance details
- Liberty University News – Rashad Jennings’ background and exclusive quotes about his return
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.