National Football League Cheerleading

National Football League Cheerleading, or simply NFL Cheerleading, is a professional cheerleading league in the United States. Twenty six of the 32 NFL teams include a cheerleading squad in their franchise. Cheerleaders are a popular attraction that can give a team more coverage/airtime, popular local support and increased media image. For the NFL, the Baltimore Colts were the first team in the NFL to have cheerleaders in 1954. They were also a part of the Baltimore Colts Marching Band. Currently, six NFL teams have no cheerleaders.

According to most NFL cheerleading sites, cheerleading is classified as a part-time job that consists of time for practice, training camp, games, appearances, photo shoots, and charity events.

Most often, cheerleaders have completed or are attending a university, and continue on to other careers after cheering for an average of one to four seasons.

Apart from their main duties of cheering during the football games, the cheerleaders have many other responsibilities. Nearly every team member is available for appearances at schools, events, conferences, etc., for a set fee. An anticipated annual event is the release of each squad's calendar, featuring members for each month in swimsuits, lingerie, or uniforms. As well as being a mainstay of American football culture, the cheerleaders are one of the biggest entertainment groups to regularly perform for the United States Armed Forces overseas. All performances and tours are enlisted by the USO. Teams send their variety show, an elite group of their best members, to perform combination shows of dance, music, baton twirling, acrobatics, gymnastics, and more. In February 2007, the Buffalo Bills even sent a squad of eight along with their choreographer into the war zone of Iraq. In 1996, the San Francisco 49ers Cheerleaders and their director Angela King-Twitero helicoptered into the war inflicted country of Bosnia with the USO and the U.S. Army. The U.S. troops in Korea have been entertained during the holiday season with the USO's Bob Hope Tour. Over the years, the tour has featured NFL cheerleaders from the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers.

As of 2006, a competition strictly for NFL cheerleaders was introduced on The NFL Network, called NFL Cheerleader Playoffs. Two cheerleaders from each cheerleading team compete against other mini-teams in various athletic events. This includes kayaking, 100 yard dash, obstacle courses, and other events.

A top honor for an NFL Cheerleader is to be selected as Pro Bowl Cheerleader. The group is composed of an all-star cheerleader (one from each NFL cheer team) that represents her NFL team at the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. The Pro Bowl Cheerleaders were founded in 1992 and directed by Jay Howarth and Angela King-Twitero. Choreography by John Peters.

Teams

Listed by name, with corresponding NFL football team.

Current or Last Name	Year Established and Former Names	NFL Team
Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders	1977–1987 St Louis Cardinals Cheerleaders 1988–1993 Phoenix Cardinals Cheerleaders 1994–present Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders	Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders	1960s The Falconettes 1976–present	Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders*	1998	Baltimore Ravens
Buffalo Jills	1960–1965 Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders 1967–present	Buffalo Bills
Carolina Topcats	1996	Carolina Panthers
Chicago Honey Bears[1]	1976–1985 1986–present none	Chicago Bears
Cincinnati Ben-Gals[2]	1976	Cincinnati Bengals
	none	Cleveland Browns
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders	1960s–1971 CowBelles & Beaux, 1972–present [3]	Dallas Cowboys
Denver Broncos Cheerleaders	1977	Denver Broncos
	none	Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers cheerleaders	late 1950s–1961 Packerettes 1961–1972 Golden Girls 1973–1977 Packerettes [4][5] 1977–1986 Sideliners [6] 1987–2006 none 2007–present college cheerleaders	Green Bay Packers
Houston Texans Cheerleaders	2002	Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders	1954–1983 Baltimore Colts Cheerleaders 1984–present	Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville ROAR	1995	Jacksonville Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders	1960s Chiefs Cheerleaders 1970s Chiefettes 1980s – present Chiefs Cheerleaders[7]	Kansas City Chiefs
Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders[8]	1966–1977 Dolphin Dolls 1978–early 1980s Dolphin Starbrites early 1980s Dolfin Star Brites 1983–present Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders	Miami Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders	1961–1963 Vi-Queens 1964–1983 The Parkettes (St. Louis Park High School) 1984–present Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders	Minnesota Vikings
Patriots Cheerleaders	1977	New England Patriots
New Orleans Saintsations	Angels Bonnes Amiees Saints Dancers Mam’selles 1977 Saintsations	New Orleans Saints
	none	New York Giants
Jets Flight Crew	2006 Jets Flag Crew 2007–present Jets Flight Crew	New York Jets
Oakland Raiderettes	1961[9]	Oakland Raiders
Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders	1948–1960s Eaglettes 1970s Liberty Belles 1980s–present The Eagles Cheerleaders	Philadelphia Eagles
none	1960–1969 Pittsburgh Steelerettes amateurs 1970–present none[10]	Pittsburgh Steelers
St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders	1974–1994 Embraceable Ewes 1995–present St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders	St. Louis Rams
San Diego Charger Girls	1990[11]	San Diego Chargers
San Francisco Gold Rush	1979 (as a coed squad before becoming an all-girl squad in 1983[12]	San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Sea Gals	1976[13]	Seattle Seahawks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders	1976–1998 SwashBucklers 1999–present Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders[14]	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders	1975–1999 The Derrick Dolls 2000–present	Tennessee Titans
Washington Redskins Cheerleaders	1962 Redskinettes currently: Washington Redskins Cheerleaders[15]	Washington Redskins

* Ravens Cheerleading Squad is technically a Co-ed Stunt and All-Female Dance squad.

Teams without cheerleaders

As of 2011, the only teams without cheerleaders are the Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The February 2011 meeting of the Packers and Steelers at Super Bowl XLV was the first time a Super Bowl featured no cheerleaders.^[16]

Notable cheerleaders

Two New Orleans Saints cheerleaders stand with a member of the U.S. Air Force during a U.S.O. visit to Southwest Asia.

Arizona Cardinals

• Aubrey Aquino, TV reporter and host^[17]
• Danielle Demski, Miss Arizona USA, 2004
• Phyllis Smith, actress on The Office (during the team's St. Louis days)
• Ashlee Tate DeMartino, broadcast meteorologist for KTNV-TV

Atlanta Falcons

• Mickey Crawford-Carnegie, President/Owner of Alumni Cheerleaders, LLC and creator of site www.AlumniCheerleaders.com (where former pro, college, high school cheerleaders/dancers reunite); Started the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Alumni group and is the Director with over 350 members.
• Nicole Duncan, Georgia State University Cheerleading Coach^[18]
• Laurie Flynn, wife of Matt Schaub
• Whitney Frink, Hollywood TV Producer
• Tiffany Fallon, Playboy Playmate of the Year 2005

Baltimore Ravens

• Stacy Keibler, former professional WWE wrestler
• Molly Shattuck, wife of Mayo A. Shattuck III

Buffalo Bills

• Theresa Joy, actress

Carolina Panthers

• Kimberly Coon, (2009), contestant on The Bachelor Season 15

Cincinnati Bengals

• Brooke Griffin, (2005–2009), personal trainer, author, and fitness model.^[19]

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders onboard the USS Harry S. Truman on December 16, 2000

• Kelli Finglass, (1984–1989), director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
• Sarah Shahi, (1999–2000),^[20] actress, plays Carmen on The L Word, second season. Most recently on NBC's "Life"
• Kristin Holt, (2000–2001), television personality, entertainment news correspondent
• Micaela Johnson, (2003–2005), Miss Nebraska USA 2008
• Kandi Harris, (2006–2008),^[21] wife of Hunter Mahan
• Kimberly Ball, reporter of KTVT
• Shaune Bagwell, model and jewelry designer
• Jenni Croft, contestant on The Bachelor Season 11
• Lezlie Deane, actress, founder of techno group Fem2fem
• Denise Garvey, director and coach of the NY Jets Flight Crew Cheerleading Squad, former New Jersey Nets Dancer, former New York Knicks dancer
• Tina Gayle, actress, CHiPs TV Series (1982–1983)
• Janet Gunn, actress
• Jill Marie Jones, actress, plays Toni On Girlfriends
• Emily Kuchar, wife of Zack Greinke
• Bonnie-Jill Laflin, actress/model
• Michelle Parma, actress, MTV's Road Rules: Europe. She died in a car accident in Texas on October 19, 2002
• Melissa Rycroft, ABC's Dancing with the Stars contestant and Winner then runner-up on The Bachelor Season 13
• Sheri Scholz, Miss Texas Teen USA 1983
• Starr Spangler, winner, The Amazing Race 13
• Judy Trammell, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders choreographer, mother of current DCC member Cassie Trammell

Denver Broncos

• Tatiana Anderson, Host of ESPN'S TV show Kiana's Flex Appeal^[22]
• Katee Doland, Miss Colorado USA 2001
• Kollette Klassen, wife of Jake Plummer
• Jamie Dukehart-Conti, Miss Colorado 2008
• Katie Layman, Miss Colorado 2009
• Michelle Beisner, NFL Network
• Renee Herlocker, Spike TV, E! News

Houston Texans

Texans cheerleaders in August 2010

• Ashley Clay (2007–2008), wife of Ryan Cochrane
• Andrea Buhl
• Carol Newinn

Indianapolis Colts

• Mindy Winkler (1998–2000), show personality of radio program, The Smiley Morning Show
• Megan Glaros (2002), meteorologist of WBBM-TV
• Megan Meadors, Miss Indiana 2008
• Stephanie Soviar, wife of Jeff Simmons

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Shenette Howard, Miss Florida International 2006

Kansas City Chiefs

• Krazy George Henderson (1975–1979)
• Dr. Jennifer Horrell, wife of member of the Missouri House of Representatives, Sam Page
• Najahe Sherman, anchor of KSHB-TV

Miami Dolphins

• Suzy Tavarez, (1998–2000), On-Air Personality, Miami radio station Y100-FM
• Shannon Ford, (2001), Miss Florida USA 2002 and contestant on The Bachelor Season 3^[23]
• Hennely Jimenez (2003–2004), Actress, 200 mph
• Brenda Lowe, (2004–2005), contestant from Survivor: Nicaragua.
• Ashley White, (2007–2008), reporter of WYFF
• Pamela Silva Conde, reporter and news anchor for Univision Network
• Jeanette Dousdebes, wife of United States Senator from Florida, Marco Rubio
• Jaime Faith Edmondson, contestant from The Amazing Race in 2009.
• Brittany Freeman, Miss New Hampshire Teen USA 2004.^[24]
• Mireya Mayor, National Geographic Wildlife Correspondent and History Channel's "Expedition:Africa" Wildlife Expert and Explorer.
• LauRen Merola, Miss Pennsylvania USA 2008
• Fabiola Romero, Original member of the FSU Cowgirls^[25]
• Lilly Robbins, Maxim Model
• Cara Rosenthal, contestant from The Amazing Race in 2009.
• Nadia Turner, Season 4 American Idol contestant
• Natalie Vickers, news anchor of MountainWest Sports Network

New England Patriots

• Meghan Vasconcellos, (2006), model and fiancee of Lonie Paxton
• Alysha Castonguay (2006–08), Miss Rhode Island Teen USA 2002, Miss Rhode Island USA 2009
• Kristin Gauvin, Miss Massachusetts 2005^[26]
• Sarah Mitchell, dancer and actress

Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders

• Erica Arana, actress, television host, and philanthropist
• Aubrey Aquino, TV reporter and host^[27]
• Karen Baughman, wife of Bob Golic
• Patty Breton - Playboy Model
• Kelli Brook - Model & actress
• Ana Marie Carrasco - Model & actress
• Danielle Gamba, Playboy Cyber Girl of the Month, October 2004.
• Paige Green, wife of John Elway.
• Jennifer Grijalva, actress, MTV's The Real World (season 18).
• Anjelah Johnson, standup comedian.
• Cole Martin, contestant on The Bachelor Season 8
• Brooke Morales - Model & actress
• Raydeen Revilla, actress
• Kiana Tom, TV fitness instructor, model & actress.

Philadelphia Eagles

• Amie Barsky, actress
• Gina Cerilli, Miss Pennsylvania USA 2010
• Carol J. Woliung, wife of Pete Rose
• Yasmine Shaffie, Miss Pennsylvania International 2007

St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams

• Lisa Guerrero, (1980s) American sports broadcaster, actress, model
• Jenilee Harrison,^[28] (1978–1980), actress, Three's Company
• Apollonia Kotero, (1980s) co-star of Purple Rain. Former girlfriend of Prince (musician), and lead singer of Apollonia 6.
• Amy Holland Pennell, actress

San Diego Chargers

• Charisma Carpenter, actress, played Cordelia Chase on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and had the same role in the long lived spin-off Angel

San Francisco 49ers

• Ashley Clay (2008-2009), wife of Ryan Cochrane
• Julie Durda, meteorologist of WSVN and contestant on The Bachelor Season 5
• Teri Hatcher, actress
• Angela King-Twitero, author of The Business of Professional Cheerleading,^[29] and dance costume designer (eight NFL Cheerleading teams wear her designs)^[30] Angela transitioned from cheerleader to director of the Gold Rush Cheerleaders, and lead the team from 1992-1997. She also was the founding co-director of the NFL Pro Bowl Cheerleaders from 1992-1997.

Seattle Seahawks

• Ali Dudek, singer^[31]
• Amber Lancaster, model on The Price Is Right and actress
• Lauren Leeds, reporter of KVEW
• Heidi Meili, reporter and anchor of KECI-TV
• Julie Shipley-Childs, fitness competitor and IFBB professional

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Mary Delgado, (1993–1999), winner on The Bachelor Season 6
• Brooke Newton, actress
• Bobbie Shay Lee (1996–1998), first NFL cheerleader with a short hair cut, also called a pixie cut. Since then, the team reserves a spot each year for a cheerleader with short hair.

Tennessee Titans

• Dr. Monica Williams, Vanderbilt University cancer research fellow^[32]
• April Pennington, former TNA Wrestling ring girl and manager. Metro-Nashville Juvenile court clerk

Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins Cheerleaders perform for U.S. servicemen onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain

• Maureen Gardner, (1974–76), wife of 71st governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell
• Debbie Barrigan (1994–95, 1999–01), Blast! dance troupe member^[33]
• Michaé Holloman, (2002–07), Miss Maryland USA 2007^[34]
• Kelley Cornwell, wife of Jeff Halpern
• Terri Crane-Lamb, Founder of the First NFL Alumni Cheerleader Association (1984)
• Kristianna Nichols, Mrs. America 1992^[35]
• Christy Oglevee, wife of Chris Cooley

2006 Pro Bowl cheerleaders

Pro Bowl

Each year, one squad member from every NFL team is chosen to participate in the collective Pro Bowl cheerleading squad. Traditionally, this is the highest honor of talent and popularity an NFL cheerleader can receive. The Pro Bowl Cheerleaders were founded in 1992 and directed by Jay Howarth and Angela King-Twitero, choreographed by John Peters.

See also

• List of cheerleaders

References

1. ^ http://www.chicagohoneybears.net/history.htm
2. ^ Cincinnati Ben-Gals
3. ^ Dallas Cheerleaders History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.^{[dead link]}
4. ^ Green Bay Packerettes, Green Bay Press-Gazette, Retrieved September 21, 2007
5. ^ Ex-Packers cheerleader writes winning slogan for fence, September 9, 2007, Retrieved September 21, 2007
6. ^ Legends on Parade to highlight Packers' Glory Years, Green Bay Press-Gazette, August 24, 2007, Retrieved September 21, 2007
7. ^ Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.^{[dead link]}
8. ^ Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders History (2010) Retrieved February 10, 2010.
9. ^ Oakland Raiderettes History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.^{[dead link]}
10. ^ Steelerettes History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
11. ^ Charger Girls History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007. Archived February 2, 2007 at the Wayback Machine
12. ^ ) Gold Rush History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
13. ^ Sea Gals History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007. Archived January 27, 2007 at the Wayback Machine
14. ^ www.buccaneers.com Retrieved February 15, 2007.
15. ^ Redskin Cheerleader History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007. Archived January 26, 2007 at the Wayback Machine
16. ^ Plaschke, Bill (2011-01-27). "No Super Bowl cheerleaders? He says rah!". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/27/sports/la-sp-plaschke-20110128. Retrieved 2011-02-06. 
17. ^ http://www.aubreyaquino.com/
18. ^ Georgia State Cheerleading (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
19. ^ Brooke Griffin's official website
20. ^ Sarah Shahi (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007
21. ^ Up & Down: It's good to be Hunter ... Mahan, that is Retrieved August 10, 2010
22. ^ Tatiana Anderson (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
23. ^ Miss Florida USA (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007. Archived February 6, 2007 at the Wayback Machine
24. ^ "Brittany's Scrapbook". Miami Dolphins. http://www.miamidolphins.com/newsite/cheerleaders/cheerleaders_scrapbook.asp?cheer_id=99. Retrieved 2007-08-05. 
25. ^ [1]
26. ^ Pageant History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
27. ^ http://www.aubreyaquino.com/
28. ^ Jenilee Harrison (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
29. ^ Angela King (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
30. ^ Angela King Designs (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
31. ^ http://www.alidudek.com/home.html
32. ^ Dr. Williams (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
33. ^ Debbie Barrigan (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.^{[dead link]}
34. ^ Miss Maryland USA (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
35. ^ Mrs. America USA (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.

External links

• Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders Official Site
• Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders Official Site
• Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders Official Site
• Buffalo Bills Jills Official Site
• Carolina Panthers Topcats Official Site
• Cincinnati Bengals Ben-Gals Official Site
• Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Official Site
• Denver Broncos Cheerleaders Official Site
• Houston Texans Cheerleaders Official Site
• Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders Official Site
• Jacksonville Jaguars Roar Official Site
• Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders Official Site
• Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Official Site
• Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders Official Site
• New England Patriots Cheerleaders Official Site
• New Orleans Saints Saintsations Official Site
• New York Jets Flight Crew Official Site
• Oakland Raiders Raiderettes Official Site
• Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders Official Site
• San Diego Chargers Charger Girls Official Site
• San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush Official Site
• Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals Official Site
• St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders Official Site
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders Official Site
• Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders Official Site
• Washington Redskins Cheerleaders Official Site