By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Former Pittsburgh Steeler, UGA grad and long-time Atlanta resident Hines Ward is a huge fan of "Celebrity Wife Swap." So when the ABC show called him to be part of the social experiment/reality show, he readily agreed.
"I thought it was an opportunity to learn something from another celebrity couple," said Ward, who will appear Wednesday, May 27 at 10 p.m. with his wife Lindsey Georgalas-Ward and Ward's son Jaden from a previous relationship. He and Lindsey had been married about a year.
His wife had never been on TV so he had to coax her into it. "She was hesitant," he said. "It can be overwhelming. We did have a blast. We'll see how they do edits and stuff like that . I'm sure there are some comical moments. I do have a greater appreciation for my marriage to Lindsey now. I really don't wan to swap her out again!"
He said his son was a little shy at first but once he got to know the crew, "he opened up a little bit."
Ward was bemused when he discovered they paired him up with Verne Troyer and his girlfriend Brittney Powell, who has a son. While ABC tries to include people with major child-rearing and lifestyle contrasts, in this case, there was also the obvious "Twins"-like physical contrast in this case.
"I was always a big fan of his," Ward said, referencing Troyer. "He was a cool character on 'Austin Powers.' I got to know him as a comedian. He's had a lot to overcome to get where he is today. I can relate to overcoming some adversity."
For those who have never watched the show, Troyer's girlfriend spent a week in Atlanta with Ward and his son while Ward's wife Lindsey flew to Los Angeles to be Troyer's "spouse" for a week there. For part of the week, the family goes by their regular rules. Then the "temp" wife gets to set the new rules based on her own child-rearing and living habits. Hilarity and tension typically ensue. At the end of the episode, everyone reunites and discusses what they have learned from the experience.
Troyer's lifestyle was more laid back while Ward ran a tighter ship. Over the week, the men had to adjust to life under different women.
"I'm all about discipline," Ward said. "My son is expected to be polite. 'Yes ma'am. No ma'am.' I lead an everyday life. People assume we live a glamorous life and it's all peaches and cream. We have problems and situations like everyone else. I'm down to earth at home. I'm not just that football and 'Dancing With the Stars' guy."
UPDATE: Hines and his wife have no maid in a 12,000-square-foot luxury Atlanta mansion. They keep it tidy by themselves! "I like to keep the place immaculate," Hines said. Brittney, Vern's girlfriend, found Hines' need to "approve" her wardrobe before going out a bit annoying. But she enjoys going out to dance with him since Verne is a home body. She does struggle with Hines' strict schedule. "I'm a stickler in staying on time," Hines said.
His son Jaden is an indoorsy guy who likes to study and play chess. Brittney wants to loosen Ward up and mess up the house a bit. Hines has a hard time with it. She also takes Jaden out to Stone Mountain's snow park, that it's okay to be outside and fears of getting hurt.
He brought Brittney to tears when he said her purposely dirtying up his home made him feel "disrespected." But he did appreciate Brittney taking Jaden out.
Ward said his wife was worried the other couple would be really outdoorsy types. "My wife wears high heels," he said. "She said, 'Please don't let me in the woods.' " Fortunately, that wasn't the case with Verne. Lindsey gets cabin fever at Verne's house. She also wants Lindsey's 16-year-old son Tyson to follow a bit more rules. She also pretties up Verne's man cave so it is more comfortable for Brittney. She also encourages Verne to get out more.
This isn't Ward's first round in reality television. He won "Dancing With the Stars" in 2011. He finished a respectable third on "Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook Off" in 2012.
He also continues to be a football analyst for NBC Sports.
TV PREVIEW
"Celebrity Wife Swap," 10 p.m., Wednesday, May 27, ABC
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