Jackson Olson, the 28‑year‑old outfielder who helped turn the Savannah Bananas into a viral sensation, is swapping baseball cleats for ballroom shoes. The former minor‑league player was announced as one of the celebrity contestants for season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, a move he says was the result of a little bit of day‑dreaming, a lot of TikTok humor, and what he calls “manifesting.”
Who Is Jackson Olson? A Brief Biography
Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Olson grew up with a baseball glove in his hand and a shy disposition off the field. He played high‑school baseball at Savannah High, earned a scholarship to a Division II program, and eventually signed a contract with the Savannah Bananas, a team known more for its entertainment value than its win‑loss record. The Bananas’ “banana‑themed” antics—such as the famous “banana‑slide” and fan‑participation chants—propelled the team to internet fame, and Olson quickly became a fan favorite for his enthusiastic celebrations and willingness to engage with the crowd.
Despite his growing popularity, Olson never imagined a career beyond the outfield. “When I was a kid, I never thought any of this was possible, even playing for the Bananas or anything like that,” he told Good Morning America on May 13. “I was a shy kid that never danced, never put myself out there, never entertained and found a passion for it. Now, I kind of manifested it.”
From Outfield to Ballroom: How Olson Turned a TikTok Joke into a DWTS Casting Call
The turning point came in late 2022 when Olson posted a series of TikTok videos joking about “pranking my coach” by claiming he would appear on Dancing With the Stars. The videos, filmed in his Bananas uniform and set to a playful soundtrack, quickly amassed thousands of likes and comments. Fans began to ask, “When is Jackson going to actually dance?” and some even suggested potential professional partners.
Olson later explained that the light‑hearted posts sparked a genuine belief that the opportunity could become real. “When I posted it, I was like, ‘Maybe there is a possibility.’ I saw some comments and thought, ‘Maybe this is possible,’” he said on the morning‑show interview. Within months, his name appeared on the official DWTS cast list, confirming that the joke had indeed turned into a casting call.
Production executives for the show confirmed that they were looking for “fresh faces with strong fan bases and a willingness to learn,” qualities Olson embodied perfectly. His viral presence, combined with a reputation for hard work, made him an attractive addition to a season that already promises a mix of reality‑TV personalities, athletes, and entertainers.
What to Expect on Dancing With the Stars: Competition, Partners, and Fan Support
Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars is set to premiere in the fall, featuring a diverse lineup that includes reality‑TV star Maura Higgins
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