It's been a tough road for Cheryl Burke, but she's not letting it slow her down. Cheryl’s journey on Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) season 28 may have ended prematurely due to her partner Ray Lewis's foot injury, but it hasn't dampened her spirits. She’s already looking ahead and plotting her next move in the world of competitive dancing—though not as a competitor.
Cheryl's Heartfelt Aspiration
“I’d actually love to be a mentor to these couples,” Cheryl shared with Closer Weekly and other reporters during the third episode of DWTS. With years of experience under her belt, Cheryl understands the nuances of the dance floor better than most. She believes that everyone could use a guiding hand or a "third eye" to help them navigate the challenges of the competition. "What we did for juniors, in a way, I’d be there for anyone who wants help or anyone who wants someone to watch their dance and give an opinion," she explained. Cheryl's passion for nurturing talent and her genuine desire to help others shine is evident in every word she speaks.
The Unseen Struggles
Cheryl admits that she was blindsided by Ray's injury. She had no idea that Ray was dealing with a foot injury before they started competing. Given his background in football, Ray was accustomed to pushing through pain and thought he could handle it. “He’s a football player,” Cheryl explained. “He never said anything to me about the injury until I actually thought that I might have a minor tear in my rotator cuff; then he was like, ‘I have something to tell you,’ but he wanted to say it off camera. He didn’t want to seem like he was complaining.”
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The Decision to Depart
Once Ray revealed the truth about his injury, Cheryl knew it was time to bow out. “It happens. It’s just sad,” she said. “It’s too soon; it’s been a while since this has happened.” Despite their best efforts, the duo couldn't ignore the pain much longer. Ray tried to dance for as long as possible but eventually had to face reality. “I noticed a lot of little changes. I would just look at her and say, ‘Something’s off. I don’t know what, but something’s off,’” Ray recalled.
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A Painful Reality
The pain eventually became unbearable, and Ray had to resort to extreme measures to cope. “One day it was unbearable; it was shooting up my leg. I’ve lived with pain, but something’s wrong,” he remembered. “I went and saw the doctor and had an MRI.” The results were clear: Ray would need surgery on his foot. But that hasn’t stopped him from hoping for a second chance. “They’ve got to give me a redo,” he said. “It was awkward; she kind of knew and I was trying to fight through it.”
A Brighter Future Ahead
Cheryl and Ray remain hopeful that they’ll have another shot at the mirrorball trophy. Both are optimistic about the future and are eager to return to the show. Fans of the dynamic duo will surely be rooting for them to make a comeback on the next season of DWTS.
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