Dolphins defensive end Taylor to dance with stars

MIAMI (Reuters Life!) - Miami Dolphin defensive end Jason Taylor is to put on his dancing shoes and become the first currently playing American football athlete to feature in the television show "Dancing With the Stars."

Taylor will spend his off-season on the dancefloor on the popular show which will also feature recently retired tennis player Monica Seles and Elvis Presley's ex-wife Priscilla, the Dolphins said on their Web site (www.miamidolphins.com).

This season Taylor was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year and also won the NFL Man of the Year award for his charity activities.

While Taylor is the first active NFL player to be on the show, former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith won the third series in 2006 while ex-San Francisco 49ers wide-receiver Jerry Rice has also featured on the show.

The 2008 NFL regular season is due to start on September 4.