Hines Ward Discovers a New Fan Base Dancing with Stars
Hines Ward discovers a new fan base dancing with stars Monday, May 23, 2011 By Maria Sciullo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette LOS ANGELES -- Hines Ward's foxtrot proficiency might not sound as crucial as being able to outleap a Baltimore Ravens defensive back, but "at this time in his career, it's all- important," said Andrew Ree, his manager. Mr. Ward, 35, and professional partner Kym Johnson, 34, will compete tonight in the finale of ABC's "Dancing With The Stars." They won't learn who takes home the cheesy but much-coveted "Mirrorball Trophy" until Tuesday night, but having just reached this point in Season 12 makes the Steelers wide receiver a winner. National Football League lockout or no lockout, there are not many seasons left on the playing field for Mr. Ward. He said he is keenly aware that DWTS has upped his recognition factor. "I mean, you can't buy this kind of exposure," he said before a recent rehearsal outside Adam Taylor/Associated Press of CBS Television City. "You know, I'm getting into a new fan base." Hines Ward and his partner Kym Johnson compete during the He stopped to smile at what was once an absurd notion: "When I walk through a mall, competition "Dancing with the people recognize me for my dancing skill." Stars." Thanks to analysis by companies such as E-Poll, it is possible to assign recognition and popularity measurements to public figures. Nielsen/E-Poll N-Scores are weekly rolling surveys of 1,100 respondents age 13 and up. It is a comprehensive evaluation of the overall endorsement potential of an individual sports personality, combining the measure of awareness and appeal - - how strongly one likes or dislikes the subject -- as well as specific personal attributes and other factors such as whether he or she is "approachable," "funny" or has "good energy." These polls are conducted in 30 markets, including Pittsburgh.
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