UPDATED MONDAY AT 8:12PM PT WITH COMMENTS FROM RAY LEWIS AND CHERYL BURKE
Dancing With the Stars contestants Ray Lewis and Cheryl Burke are hanging up their dancing shoes.
Lewis said on Monday night’s episode he was dropping out of ABC’s reality dance competition after exacerbating a previous foot injury.
“This is probably one of the hardest decisions of my life. But right now, I gotta make sure that I don’t damage something enough to where I can’t walk,” he explained.
Burke took to Instagram to praise Lewis for his hard work and to wish him well.
“Dancing with Ray has meant so much to me. His positivity and dedication are admirable, and his smile is contagious,” she captioned a photo of the two. “Unfortunately, due to injuries he sustained to his foot, our journey to the mirror ball ends tonight. Ray, I wish you a safe and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing you do the squirrel dance again very soon.”
Last week, NFL star Lewis and ballroom dancing champion Burke found themselves as one of the two bottom couples. The judges ended up saving them and instead sent home legendary Supremes singer Mary Wilson and pro Brandon Armstrong.
In the days leading up to the couple’s withdrawal, Lewis posted a photo on Instagram saying, “Make time for what matters. Take care of yourself. Mind, Body, and Spirit. #NoExcuses.” Meanwhile, Burke posted a photo with the caption, “Hair courtesy of @kelseygusto, glam courtesy of @crabichuk, deep thought courtesy of the upcoming live show. #DWTS.”
The posts may have been a vague hint that the two would not make it to the end of the ABC ballroom competition.