Introduction
Rashad Jennings has lived a story that spans grueling NFL seasons, a triumphant win on Dancing with the Stars, and a reinvention beyond sport. This article explores his path — the win, his physical profile (height and weight), his personal life including marriage, and how these pieces combine to define his post-football legacy.
From NFL Running Back to Ballroom Champion
Before stepping onto the dance floor of Dancing with the Stars, Jennings enjoyed a successful professional football career. A product of Liberty University (after an earlier stint at the University of Pittsburgh), he rushed for 3,633 yards in college and set program records.
In the NFL he was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars (7th round, 2009) and later played for the Oakland Raiders and New York Giants.
Then came 2017: Season 24 of Dancing with the Stars. Jennings was paired with professional dancer Emma Slater. They delivered consistently strong performances and ultimately took the Mirrorball Trophy — making Jennings the winner of the season.
This win marked not only a personal milestone for Jennings, but also a cross-discipline achievement: from athlete to show-dancer champion.
What made his win special?
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He wasn’t a trained dancer, yet embraced the challenge and consistently improved week to week.
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His athleticism (from years in the NFL) gave him strength, stamina and stage presence, which translated into dance performance.
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The narrative of a former pro-football player transforming into a ballroom champion resonated with audiences — illustrating perseverance and adaptability.
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His win came against some unexpected odds; many assumed other contestants were favourites, yet Jennings and Slater prevailed.
Height, Weight & Physical Profile
Understanding Jennings’ physical attributes helps explain part of his success — both on the football field and on the dance floor.
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Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm).
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Weight (NFL era): ~231 lbs (≈105 kg).
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Measured at 6′1″ / 231 lbs by multiple sources.
At 6′1″, he was tall for a running back but carried the bulk and strength required in the NFL. Transitioning to dance meant he had to channel that athleticism into controlled motion, flexibility, posture and rhythm. The height might have been a challenge in ballroom (where smaller stature sometimes affords agility), but Jennings leveraged his discipline and training.
Married Life & Personal Relationships
When it comes to his married life, publicly available information is more limited compared to his athletic and television accomplishments.
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On Instagram, Jennings is seen referencing his wife: one post stated:
“I have only one rose to give, and it belongs to my beautiful, amazing wife, @destineydjennings …”
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His wife is identified as Destiney Jennings (Instagram handle @destineydjennings).
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There is no widely-published media profile detailing their wedding date, engagement timeline, or family details (children, etc) in mainstream sources.
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Some conflicting or unverified references exist online — but they appear inconsistent or not credible. For example one podcast page contained an incorrect marriage reference.
Key point: While Jennings is publicly identified as married, the details are private and not extensively covered in major media sources.
Post-Win & Legacy
Winning Dancing with the Stars was a landmark moment, but Jennings hasn’t stopped there. Key highlights include:
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After his 2017 win, he joined the Dancing with the Stars summer tour.
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He continues to be involved in motivational speaking, authorship and his foundation’s work. (Though this article focuses on height, win and marriage, it’s worth noting for full context.)
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His return to the dance floor: In 2025, during the show’s 20th-anniversary celebration, Jennings made a comeback appearance in a special relay round.
The trajectory from NFL player, to ballroom champion, to cultural figure demonstrates versatility and determination.
Why His Journey Resonates
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Overcoming labels: He was once an under-the-radar college prospect, then a late-round NFL pick, and yet rose to success.
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Reinvention: The pivot to dance illustrates willingness to step outside his comfort zone.
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Marriage and personal roots: Though private, his married life shows a grounded personal side beyond the spotlight.
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Physical plus mental resilience: Standing at 6′1″ and shifting from high-impact sport to performance art shows his adaptive strength.
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Inspirational narrative: For athletes or entertainers looking to change lanes, Jennings serves as a model of continuous growth.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Which season of Dancing with the Stars did Rashad Jennings win?
A1: He won Season 24 of Dancing with the Stars (aired in 2017) partnered with Emma Slater.
Q2: What is Rashad Jennings’ height?
A2: He stands 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) tall.
Q3: Is Rashad Jennings married?
A3: Yes — publicly he is seen married to Destiney Jennings. However, detailed information about their wedding date or family remains private.
Q4: Did his football career help his dancing win?
A4: Very much so. His athletic background provided strength, stamina and discipline — key factors that helped transition to ballroom success. His narrative shows how athletic training can support performance art.
Q5: What has he done since winning Dancing with the Stars?
A5: He has participated in the DWTS summer tour, been involved in motivational and charitable work, and appeared in special editions of the show. For example, he returned in 2025 for a 20th-anniversary celebration on DWTS.
Conclusion
Rashad Jennings’ story encapsulates transformation — from a football star carving out yards on the gridiron, to mastering choreography under bright lights, to living a fulfilling personal life off-camera. His 6′1″ frame and NFL-honed body gave him the foundation; his dedication and willingness to try something new propelled him to a Mirrorball Trophy win. And though he keeps his married life relatively private, the glimpses of personal joy reflect the full spectrum of his journey. For anyone seeking inspiration on reinvention, resilience and authenticity, Jennings offers a compelling blueprint.
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