Buc Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders are known officially as the Buc Cheerleaders. The team consists of 36 professional cheerleaders who always perform at the team's home games at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Cheerleading teams usually have to meet for practice two to three hours per week, despite having full-time jobs.
In 2019, the Bucs welcomed their first male member to the team. 32-year-old Lorenzo Gilbert joined the squad, stating that a co-worker Brittany Dahlberg, the Bucs' cheerleader captain at the time, encouraged him to try out. Trained as a professional dancer, Gilbert stated that he felt welcomed and embraced by the team.
Detroit Lions Cheerleaders
The Detroit Lions' first cheerleading team initially debuted in 1963 and up until 1974. Cheer squad promoters had contacted the team for years, but they were all rejected since William Clay Ford Sr., the owner of the NFL franchise of Detroit back then was not up for the idea.
In 2010, the team eventually had cheerleaders, again, in the form of Detroit Pride. The Lions then decided to add official cheerleaders to the team in 2016, giving their group a cheerleading squad for the first time in 40 years. Rebecca Girard-Smoker, former director of the Detroit Pistons dance team, was announced as the cheerleading squad's official team manager and coach.
New England Patriot Cheerleaders (NEPC)
The New England Patriots Cheerleaders, who go by NEPC are the official cheerleading squad of the New England Patriots of the National Football League. The NEPC is probably one of the oldest cheerleading squads in the NFL, formed in 1971.
As of 2018, the squad had 34 members. They also have a subgroup for junior cheerleaders with girls ages seven to 17 allowed to join. In 2008, the squad traveled to China to train Chinese dancers for the 2008 Summer Olympics. To join this squad, you have to audition at the Gillette Stadium. The squad also releases an official swimsuit calendar photo shoot yearly for the fans.
Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders
The Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders are the official cheerleading and dance squad of the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL. The team consists of male and female cheerleaders and currently has 48 members, with 20 stunt performers who are male and 28 dancers who are all female. The squad was formed in 1998 and has been active ever since.
They perform at the team's home stadium, "M&T Bank Stadium." The squad has a summer program that allows boys to join. The group makes appearances throughout the year at corporate functions and parties. This squad also has an official swimsuit calendar that comes out once a year.
Jacksonville Roar
The Jacksonville Roar is the professional and official cheerleading squad of the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL. The squad was formed in 1995 and has been performing choreographed routines at the team's home games since then. Roar holds tryouts every March, and the potential members are judged through oral interviews and dance routines.
Delores Weaver, Wayne Weaver's wife, the then owner of the Jaguars, took a special interest in the cheerleading squad. She would serve as a judge during tryouts, approve their dance routines, and also help design their uniforms. A Jaguars Roar swimsuit was introduced in 1998 and has been in production each year ever since.
Los Angeles Charger Girls
The Los Angeles Charger Girls were the official cheerleading squad of the Los Angeles Chargers. The squad would perform a variety of dance routines at the team's home games. The cheerleading squad was formed in 1990 and was managed by e2k Event and Entertainment.
The Charger Girls officially disbanded in 2021 due to financial reasons. The squad had a junior team that was required to pay $175 to donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Chargers Community Foundation. The group had a few notable members, for instance, Christina Carpenter, who was an actress on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." The squad also had a yearly swimsuit calendar.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC)
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the official cheerleading squad of the Dallas Cowboys team in the NFL, are many people's favorites. The squad is known by its initials, DCC, and is also affectionately nicknamed "America's Sweethearts." The cheerleading squad was formed in 1961.
Since 2006, the team has produced its own reality television show called "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team." The show airs during the National Football League's football season and follows the auditioning process of the cheerleading squad. The DCC produces several calendars each year, including a swimsuit calendar and an annual sideline calendar that showcases the squad cheering and performing at the Cowboy's home games.
San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleaders
The San Francisco 49ers officially call their cheerleading team the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush Cheerleaders. The name is a reference to the famous California gold rush of the 19th century. They have performed all over the United States, Europe, and Japan. The squad was formed in 1979 and officially has 40 members.
The squad has gained popularity over the years and has been featured by several television networks like ESPN and the Fox Network. In 2018 a member of the squad was the first cheerleader to kneel in peaceful protest during the national anthem, an action started by former NFL 49ers member Colin Kaepernick in 2016.
Houston Texans Cheerleaders
The Houston Texans have had their cheerleading squad since they were formed in 2002. The cheerleading squad is officially called the Houston Texan Cheerleaders. While they may be marketed as cheerleaders, they are actually a dance team.
The HTC, short for the Houston Texans cheerleaders, had a squad of 30 members as of the 2021 NFL season. New members are taken in through auditions in a process that tests their fitness, dance skills, ability to learn fast, and of course, their looks. Reports claim the dancers' wages per hour range from $9 to $20 while they can receive up to $500 per match.
Cincinnati Ben-Gals
The Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL has an official cheerleading squad formed in 1968 by the team's founder Paul Brown, making the squad over 50 years old. The official name for the squad is the Cincinnati Ben-Gals. The squad performs a variety of dance moves at the team's home games at the Paul Brown Stadium.
They had a lot to perform for in 2021, as that was the year the Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC North championship, their tenth division title. For the 2021 season, the cheerleading squad had a roster of 30 members. The squad also has a Junior-Ben-Gals group that performs alongside the squad at their football performances.
Green Bay Packers Cheerleaders
The Green Bay Packers have had several cheerleading squads perform for them throughout the years. The Packers were one of the very first teams in the NFL to have cheerleaders at their game, as they had a cheerleading squad from local high schools perform for them in 1931. However, in the '50s, they had their first official cheerleading squad called the "Green Bay Packerettes."
In 1988, the team had its last cheerleading squad disband after the local television station did a poll and 50% of the audience was against having an official cheerleading squad. From then on, the Packers use college cheerleading squads at their home games.
Las Vegas Raiderettes
The Las Vegas Raiderettes are the official cheerleading squad of the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL. The group was formed in 1961 as the Oakland Raiderettes but changed its name to the Las Vegas Raiderettes when the team moved to Las Vegas. In both cities, they have been billed as "Football's Fabulous Females."
In 2012 the Raiderettes celebrated 50 years in football with former members ranging from teenagers to participants who were over 70 years. When the team moved to Las Vegas, a 20,000-square-foot studio was constructed for the Raiderettes in Henderson City, Nevada. They accept online auditions for the team through video choreographies.
Jets Flight Crew
The Jets Flight Crew was established in 2006 as the Jets Flag Crew, composed of six female flag carriers. The Flight Crew is the official cheerleading squad for the New York Jets of the National Football League. Denise Garvey has been the crew's director and choreographer since its inception in 12 years.
The organization has insisted time and time again that the Flight Crew is not a cheerleading squad but a dance/flag carrier team. After their inauguration period, the team had its first auditions in 2008 and increased its members to 22. The squad has been well received by the Jets fans, hence the decision to increase their numbers.
Denver Broncos Cheerleaders
The Denver Bronco Cheerleaders began in the '60s when the Denver Broncos had high school students and post-high school young women perform at their home games. In the '70s, an all-adult crew debuted as the Bronco Belles; then, in 1993, the Bronco Cheerleaders was formed after a seven-year absence.
Becoming a Denver Broncos cheerleader takes more than just good looks, fitness, and the ability to dance. The ladies are also assessed based on their personal achievements and their level of service to the community. The squad is particular about helping the community. In 2017, they devoted more than 1,500 hours to assisting 100 organizations in Colorado.
Seahawks Dancers
The Seahawks Dancers are the official cheerleading squad of the Seattle Seahawks football team of the NFL. Previously known as the Sea Gals, the squad performs a variety of dance routines at the team's home games at the Lumen Stadium. Since the group rebranded as the Seahawk Dancers, the team now includes male cheerleaders/stuntmen.
The group performs a variety of dance styles, including hip-hop and the classic NFL Jazz/Pom. The squad is now among the other seven cheerleading teams in the NFL that have male dancers. After rebranding, the crew also changed their uniform from the traditional Sea Gals uniform to a more athletic attire.
Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders
The Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders are the official cheerleading crew representing the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL. They made history in 2018 when they became the first NFL team to have male cheerleaders in their official spirit squad. Since then, their roster each season has included a male member. As of 2021, four of the 32 members in their roster were men.
The team was established in 1974 and was known as the "Embraceable Ewes." The organization then changed the name to the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders. The Rams cheerleaders are known for their commitment to community service and performances during the team's home games at the SoFi Stadium.
Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders
The Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders are the official cheerleading squad of the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. The team performs a variety of dance moves during their team home games at the Nissan Stadium. The squad was formed in 1975 and was then called the "Derrick Dolls," and later changed their names when the Titans moved to Tennessee.
The Titans cheerleaders are one of the squads to have male members. The male cheerleaders were absent for a long time until they were reintroduced in 2019. Of the 28 members on their roster in 2021, nine of them were men.
Buffalo Jills
The Buffalo Jills were formed in 1967 as the official cheer squad for the Buffalo Bills. The squad progressed from a team of eight young women in wool uniforms to a squad of 36 young ladies in more revealing attire. The squad annually sold a swimsuit calendar from 2000 and participated in events in the Western New York Area.
The Buffalo Bills discontinued official ties with the Jills in 1986 but would contract them to third parties like the food chain the Mighty Taco. In 2015, the Jills filed a class-action lawsuit against their management, claiming a lack of payment. The lawsuit was settled on March 3, 2022.
Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders
The Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders are the official cheerleading squad of the Arizona Cardinals football team in the National Football League. Professional cheerleaders earn an average of $20 per hour, and this is no different for the Cardinals Cheerleaders.
To be a member of the squad, you must be over 18 years old, have already graduated high school, and be able to attend the entire audition process. The cheerleaders perform at all the team's home games at the State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals can boast of two NFL championships and seven division titles, having won their last championship in 2015.
Saints Cheer Kwere
The official cheerleading squad for the New Orleans Saints was first formed in 1987. Back then, they were known as the Sainstations. The squad includes a dance team and the cheerleaders who perform acrobatics. The team has had an average of 30 members, but the number went up to 40 in 1997.
The Sainstations are also ambassadors of Goodwill. They have toured with the United States Service Organization to various overseas military bases in Kuwait and Afghanistan to offer reassurance and offer entertainment for the United States Military. In 2021, the Saintations changed their name to "Saints Cheer Krewe," and apparently, their fans helped them choose the new name.
Carolina Topcats
The Carolina Topcats are the official Cheerleading Squad of the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and their first season in the NFL was in 1996, making them the newest team in the National Football Conference.
In 2022, the Topcats made major news for hiring the very first openly transgender woman to ever be a part of any of the NFL cheerleading teams. Justine Lindsay took to her social platforms to announce that she would be joining the Topcats. She went further to commend the team for being an inclusive team of all races, ethnicities, and religions.
Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders
The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders were formed in 1878, making the squad over 40 years old. These cheerleaders are the official cheerleading squad of the Miami Dolphins. The squad performs a variety of dance routines at the Hard Rock Stadium, the Dolphins' home stadium. The original squad was called the Dolphin Dolls, and there were 125 members.
The squad releases an official swimsuit calendar annually like most cheerleading teams in the NFL. The team members are expected to stay fit and are usually exercising all year round, and they also stay on a diet. The MDC also has a youth cheer squad, and they mentor young girls in the Miami area.
First Ladies of Football
The Washington Football Team has undergone a few changes since 2019. Not only have they changed their name from the Washington Redskins to the current name, but they've also scrapped their cheerleading squad. The news came as a crushing blow to the fans who have enjoyed watching the brilliant performers at every home game on the FedExField.
However, it was necessary as there were several complaints about harassment and improper behavior from the women in the squad. After the group was dropped in 2021, plans were made to replace them with a dance team that would include both men and women.
Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders
The Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders are the official cheerleading squad of the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. The squad was the first squad in the NFL, formed in 1954 by two women in the team's inception. The colt's cheerleaders also release an annual swimsuit calendar. The team also has a Junior Cheerleaders team that performs at the Lucas Oil Stadium, the team's home stadium.
They appear at about 300 events each year. Many of these events are for serving the community as they are also ambassadors and community heroes. Their services don't come cheap, though. Depending on the number of cheerleaders and type of event, they can cost $400 to $2800.
Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders
The Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders are the official cheerleading team of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings. The squad was formed in 1984 and had a roster of 35 members in their team. The team includes a "Junior Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders" program with two divisions, the Junior Angel Division for girls aged three to five and the Junior Cheerleader Division for girls aged six to 14.
Like most squads, the Vikings cheerleaders are said to be paid up to $75K annually. Getting in is difficult, as interested members have to meet fitness and beauty requirements in the audition. They must, of course, also be quite skilled at dancing and acrobatics.
Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders
The Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders are the official cheer squad for the Atlanta Falcons, always putting an exciting display in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which has been home to the Atlanta Falcons since 2017. Fans visiting the stadium on game day wouldn't miss the distinct black and red colors of their cheerleading squad.
Joining the cheerleading roster is not just an honor; it's also an actual job as team members get paid $15 per hour for rehearsals and performances, according to their official website. To get into the team, candidates must not only meet fitness and dancing requirements but also need to be a college graduate or have a job.
Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders
The Kansas City Chiefs won their second Super Bowl in history in 2020, and you can bet their glorious cheerleaders were there to cheer them on to victory. Sadly, some cheer members of the roster retired after that game. Sure enough, their positions were filled through a careful audition process the following season.
As of 2021, their roster had 34 members, of which only one was male. However, they once removed male members in the '70s and renamed the squad to "Chiefettes." The team also has a program for junior cheerleaders. They've gone beyond community service to putting on shows on military bases around the United States and worldwide.
Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders
The Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders are among the cheerleading squads that go on a yearly photoshoot and release an annual swimsuit calendar. The squad is the official cheer squad representing the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. The cheerleaders debuted in 1948 as the Eaglettes, later became the Liberty Belles in the '70s, and finally became the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders in the '80s.
The squad is often booked for events and ceremonies. The cheerleaders are paid $250 each to appear at events, but nonprofits are allowed to pay lower at $150 per hour. The cheerleader's annual calendar is available on Android and iOS for $1.99.