Originally published Monday, March 17, 2008 at 12:00 AM

People in Sports | Jason Taylor

When Jason Taylor takes the stage to face network TV cameras and dance the fox trot, he figures his jitters will be Super Bowl-size. "I'll be shaking," he...

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MIAMI — When Jason Taylor takes the stage to face network TV cameras and dance the fox trot, he figures his jitters will be Super Bowl-size.

"I'll be shaking," he says.

Still, the Miami Dolphins defensive end is glad he accepted an invitation to perform on "Dancing With the Stars." He'll be among the contestants when the show begins its sixth season tonight.

Taylor says he's having "a blast" learning to dance, despite an arduous practice regimen of six hours a day in the studio, with sessions likely to become longer as the competition proceeds.

He says his feet hurt — and that's not all.

"You're using a different muscle group in dancing. It's different from football," Taylor says from Los Angeles by phone. "I'm learning there are a few joints and muscles I didn't realize God gave me."

The hit ABC show has featured former NFL players before — Emmitt Smith won his competition, and Jerry Rice was a popular contestant. Among those competing against Taylor this season will be Grand Slam tennis champion Monica Seles and Olympic skating gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi.

Taylor is the first active NFL player to take part.

The Associated Press

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