Get to Know the Cheerleading Squads of the NFL: A Comprehensive Guide
One of the most iconic and entertaining aspects of the NFL (National Football League) experience is undoubtedly the cheerleaders. These talented women add a touch of glamour and excitement to the game and draw enthusiastic cheers from fans of all ages.
But have you ever wondered which NFL teams have cheerleading squads? This comprehensive guide will answer that question and tell you everything else you need to know about NFL cheerleading.
Overview of Each NFL Team and Whether or Not They Have a Cheerleading Squad
Currently, 26 of the 32 NFL teams have an official cheerleading squad. Here’s a rundown of the teams that do have cheerleading squads (in alphabetical order):
- Arizona Cardinals
- Atlanta Falcons
- Baltimore Ravens
- Carolina Panthers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Dallas Cowboys
- Denver Broncos
- Detroit Lions
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Miami Dolphins
- Minnesota Vikings
- New England Patriots
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tennessee Titans
- Washington Football Team
As you can see, only six NFL teams do not have cheerleading squads. These six teams are: Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders, and the New York Jets.
Information About the Team’s Cheerleading History and Notable Cheerleaders
Each NFL team has its own unique cheerleading history, tradition, and culture, and many have produced notable cheerleaders over the years. Here are a few examples:
- In 1972, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were formed and quickly became the most famous cheerleading squad in the world, thanks in part to their signature skimpy uniforms and high-kicking routines.
- Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders, known as the Baltimore’s Marching Ravens Cheerleaders, were the first NFL cheerleaders to wear microphones on their uniforms and perform with live music from a marching band.
- The Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders, also known as the Chiefs Cheerleaders, were the first NFL cheerleaders to fly on a team-owned plane to a Super Bowl game in 2020.
- The Seattle Seahawks cheerleaders, known as the Sea Gals, have an interesting tradition where they create a new dance move to add to their routine each season.
Some notable NFL cheerleaders from throughout history include Teri Hatcher, who cheered for the San Francisco 49ers, and Christa Teter, who cheered for the Dallas Cowboys and later became a member of the cheerleading squad for the Dallas Mavericks basketball team.
Ranking the NFL Cheerleading Squads from Best to Worst
It’s difficult to objectively rank the NFL cheerleading squads, as performance quality, choreography, and appearance can all be subjective. However, here’s our subjective ranking based on those factors:
- Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (Dallas Cowboys)
- Sea Gals (Seattle Seahawks)
- Ravens Cheerleaders (Baltimore Ravens)
- Patriots Cheerleaders (New England Patriots)
- Saintsations (New Orleans Saints)
It is worth noting that these rankings are not an official ranking but a subjective ranking based on personal preferences.
Behind the Scenes with the NFL Cheerleaders: An Insider Look at Life on the Sidelines
Life as an NFL cheerleader can be glamorous, but it is undoubtedly hard work. In addition to performing at games, cheerleaders must attend various events, rehearsals, and workouts throughout the week.
Despite this, many cheerleaders describe their experience as rewarding and fulfilling. They relish the opportunity to perform in front of huge crowds and be part of an NFL team community.
However, not everything is perfect and some teams have come under fire for the way they treat their cheerleaders. Some lawsuits have been filed by former cheerleaders claiming that they were paid unjustly and subjected to unfair treatment.
The Business of NFL Cheerleading
Cheerleading isn’t just about the fun routines and dazzling performances. It’s also a big business. Cheerleading revenue generates millions of dollars for NFL teams each year – in fact, some teams even make more money from their cheerleading programs than they do from ticket sales!
However, despite the considerable amount of money that NFL cheerleaders generate for their teams, they do not make a lot of money themselves. Cheerleaders are often classified as part-time employees and make minimum wage or less.
Additionally, cheerleaders are expected to pay for their own uniforms, travel expenses, and even to attend events to promote their team. Some former cheerleaders have spoken out against the unfair treatment and payment structures for NFL cheerleaders, arguing that they deserve better compensation and treatment.
A Brief History of Cheerleading in the NFL
Cheerleading has a long and storied history, and it has been a staple of the NFL experience for many years. The first NFL cheerleading squad was formed in 1954 by the Baltimore Colts – at the time, the squad was made up of male drummers and female majorettes.
Over time, cheerleading has evolved and become a much more athletic and demanding activity. The routines that NFL cheerleaders perform today are complex and intricate, requiring not just dancing skills, but also tumbling, gymnastics, and acrobatics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NFL cheerleading is a vital and exciting part of the NFL experience. With 26 of the 32 NFL teams having an official cheerleading squad, there are plenty of opportunities to show your support for these talented dancers and performers.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into being an NFL cheerleader.