Donald Driver: 'Dancing with the Stars is as tough as the NFL'

Donald Driver has said that competing on Dancing with the Stars is just as tough as playing in the NFL.

The Green Bay Packers star explained that the physicality of both football and competitive dancing can take a real toll on the body.

"[Dancing with the Stars and football are] about the same," Driver told Access Hollywood. "I mean, on the football field you can twist an ankle, in dancing you can twist an ankle. You can get a shoulder injury trying to pick someone up, you can get a shoulder injury by playing football and getting hit."

The former All-Pro wide receiver added: "It all transitions - just in a different way. But I haven't done anything wrong at this point and I hope I don't, so I'm pretty healthy and I'm hoping I can stay that way."

Driver was called a "diamond on the rough" by judge Bruno Tonioli during Monday's Dancing with the Stars premiere, with the athlete and his partner Peta Murgatroyd earning a 21 out of 30 for their cha cha.

Dancing with the Stars continues next Monday (March 26) at 8/7c on ABC.

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Watch Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd's cha cha routine below: