Savannah Bananas' Jackson Olson speaks out on joining 'DWTS' season 35
Savannah Bananas second baseman and social media personality Jackson Olson is trading the baseball field for the dance floor.
Olson officially joined season 35 of "Dancing with the Stars" as a celebrity contestant, ABC announced during Disney's Upfront presentation on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old joined "Good Morning America" on Wednesday to talk about the opportunity.
"When I was a kid, I never thought any of this was possible," Olson said, adding that entertaining was a skill that came to him later in life. "I was a shy kid that never danced, never put myself out there, never entertained, and found a passion for it ... I kind of manifested this whole thing."
Olson said he previously posted a few TikTok videos last year as a joke, pranking his coach by claiming at the time that he was going to be on "Dancing with the Stars" -- a joke that has since turned into a reality.
Olson also said Wednesday that his teammates "were all super pumped" to hear the news.
Olson is the latest celebrity revealed for the upcoming season, joining previously announced contestants Maura Higgins of "The Traitors" and "Love Island" and Ciara Miller of "Summer House."
The full celebrity cast and professional dancer lineup will be announced Sept. 2, exclusively on "GMA."
Olson has gained a massive following online through his mix of baseball content, personal storytelling and behind-the-scenes moments from life with the Savannah Bananas, the viral exhibition baseball team known for its entertaining spin on the sport.
Along with sharing baseball insights and highlights from his career as a second baseman, Olson's content often focuses on relationships, family, food and everyday life experiences.
The Savannah Bananas have become a social media sensation in recent years for their fast-paced and comedic style of baseball, often compared to the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball, with Olson emerging as one of the team's most recognizable personalities.
"Dancing With the Stars" is coming off a milestone Season 34, which marked the show's best finale performance in a decade, according to ABC.
The show will air live this fall on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include comments from Savannah Bananas baseball player Jackson Olson.
