Hines Ward is recuperating in Atlanta following his Wednesday night victory on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars," but his support team is busier than ever now that the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver has become a household name.
"My phone's been blowing up and so have my emails," Ward's attorney, Andrew Ree, told the *Pittsburgh Tribune-Review* in a story for Friday's editions. "We've definitely gotten offers as I had hoped we would."
Ward teamed with Kym Johnson to knock off actresses Kirstie Alley and Chelsea Kane for the season 12 title. The former Super Bowl MVP did it with ligament damage in his left thumb, which will require surgery next week, the *Tribune-Review* reported.
Ward and Johnson received five perfect scores for their final six dances, and judge Bruno Tonioli said the receiver "really is like a ray of sunshine when he enters the arena."
"It opens him up to a whole new audience," said Bob Dorfman, executive creative director of Baker Street Advertising. "You start getting women watching, older people, a broader audience.
"There are a lot of (positives) on his side at this point. It's not like he's going to disappear. He also has a good back story."
Steven Levitt, president of The Q Scores Company in New York, said Ward has an advantage over past "Dancing" winner, Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, because the Steeler is still playing. Smith was retired when he appeared on the show.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
