Who Was Rashad Jennings’ Partner on Dancing With the Stars and Who Did He Dance With in His 2025 Comeback?
Rashad Jennings’ partner during his mirrorball-winning run on Dancing With the Stars was the fantastic Emma Slater. If you tuned in for Season 24, you’ll remember these two lighting up the ballroom with chemistry and that infectious, high-energy swagger. Seriously, their freestyle finale had so much personality and, let’s be honest, Rashad hit that final lift like it was the game-winning run in the NFL.
The Legend Returns to Celebrate History
Rashad Jennings’ partner during his mirrorball-winning run on Dancing With the Stars was the fantastic Emma Slater. If you tuned in for Season 24, you’ll remember these two lighting up the ballroom with chemistry and that infectious, high-energy swagger. Seriously, their freestyle finale had so much personality and, let’s be honest, Rashad hit that final lift like it was the game-winning run in the NFL.
Eight years after that big win, Rashad stepped back into the DWTS spotlight for the show's massive 20th anniversary bash. And this time, it wasn’t business as usual, no “just another pro/celeb pair” situation. Instead, the relay round twist brought out all-stars to pair up with current contestants. The result? A full-on ballroom party. This time around, Rashad danced with none other than Elaine Hendrix. Yep the very same Elaine who played Meredith Blake in “The Parent Trap.” She’s a riot, and together they delivered a lively, quickstep relay that oozed bounce and brightness.
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And Rashad wasn’t alone. The night was stacked with former champs stepping in as honorary pros. Here’s how the champion-celeb combos shaped up in that special relay round:
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Elaine Hendrix & Rashad Jennings (Season 24 winner)
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Dylan Efron & Rumer Willis (Season 20 winner)
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Jordan Chiles & Apolo Anton Ohno (Season 4 winner)
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Alix Earle & Joey Graziadei (Season 33 winner)
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Andy Richter & Kaitlyn Bristowe (Season 29 winner)
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Robert Irwin & Xochitl Gomez (Season 32 winner)
More like an all-star family reunion than your average results show.
Why Rashad Jennings’ DWTS Return Mattered
Here’s the thing: Rashad’s return wasn’t just a celebration for him it was a big, sappy love letter to every DWTS fan who’s ever been inspired by seeing a regular (well…NFL-level “regular”) contender grow into a dancer. It showed how the show bridges eras, celebrates legacies, and gives deserving champs their flowers. Watching Rashad go from victorious underdog in 2017 to honorary pro in 2025 was living proof that heart, rhythm, and hard work make the dance floor legendary no matter how many birthdays pass.
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Disclaimer
This blog post shares entertainment news and personal reflections based on public episodes and official event coverage. Information about participants, performances, and outcomes is accurate at the time of writing. Viewer experiences may differ. Readers should verify details directly with official DWTS resources or broadcasters for updates and authoritative results.
