Dancing With The Stars Recap: Did Doug Flutie Make New England Proud?

NEWTON, MA - Doug Flutie showed off his fancy footwork once again, but this time he took them off the gridiron and onto the dance floor.

On the premiere of Dancing With The Stars' 22nd season, Flutie and partner Karina Smirnoff adhered to the football great's Massachusetts roots by performing the foxtrot to "Sweet Caroline."

Though the crowd was on their feet singing along to the Boston sports hymn, the judges weren't as impressed.

Flutie and Smirnoff earned scores of 5 across the board, primarily due to Flutie's lack of experience and missteps along the way. But his future looks promising, with the judges commending Flutie's foray out of his comfort zone.

At the end of his performance he appealed to New England voters to keep him in the competition; next week the first contestants will be eliminated.

Several big names made their presence known Monday night; "Facts of Life" star Kim Fields opened up the show with a flair, followed by an athletic performance from UFC fighter Paige VanZant.

"Good Morning America" meteorologist Ginger Zee wowed with her spunky number, Boys II Men crooner Wanya Morris earned one of the highest scores and NFL stars Antonio Brown and Von Miller proved their athleticism isn't limited to the football field.

But the night was not devoid of surprises; actress and Donald Trump ex Marla Maples stunned with her quickstep and actor and model Nyle DiMarco cha cha'd his way to the top of the pack.

DiMarco is unique in that he is completely deaf, so he relies heavily on his partner's lead and the vibrations of the music.

At the bottom of the pack are Fox News host Geraldo Rivera and actress Mischa Barton, whose performances garnered lukewarm reactions from the judges.

For a full look at the performances, visit the show's page here.

City News Service; Photo courtesy of the ABC