The roar of 70,000 fans, the nachos are dripping with fake cheese, the crunch of helmets colliding, the quarterback just threw a pass so bad it’s trending on X and the adrenaline of a lastminute touchdown. Welcome to America's own National Football League! American football games are spectacles of showmanship and sport. An incredible spectacle of challenge and fun! In the vibrant world of American football, few traditions capture the glamour and spectacle quite like NFL cheerleading. They are the highlight of the games. When one thinks of an NFL game, the image of dynamic cheerleaders leading the crowd in rousing chants and dazzling dance routines often comes to mind. They stir the crowd up and stimulate support for their respective teams. Yet, as surprising as it may seem, amidst the 32 NFL franchises, there are 8 NFL teams that have chosen to forego the sparkle of these pom‐poms. They have no cheerleaders on their sides. This isn’t merely a budgetary decision; it reflects a complex interplay of economic strategy, evolving societal norms tradition and regional culture. A lot of key factors come into play for not having a dedicated cheerleading unit.
Hey there, gridiron gang! Let's smash our helmets like goats. Grab your snacks and settle in because we’re about to dive into one of the NFL’s coolest mysteries. This will be an eye-opening game. Imagine a Glastonbury headliner without pyrotechnics or a cup of Earl Grey without the biscuit. Nah, unthinkable! Today, we take a deep dive into this fascinating phenomenon to explore the reasons behind the absence of cheerleaders, the historical controversies, the economic and technical challenges and what this means for team identity and fan experience. Let the games begin!
Table of contents
NFL cheerleading’s brief history
Cheerleading kicked off in the 1920s but it wasn’t until the 1960s that NFL teams embraced it as a marketing tool. Till then, cheerleading was just part of the teams but ok and they weren't taken as excitedly as today.
Early beginnings – NFL cheerleading traces it’s roots back to the 1950s with the Baltimore Colts (later the Indianapolis Colts) pioneering the practice. Something new was on the gaming field for the audience. They were the first to add a little extra pep to their games. It was a revolutionary idea in keeping a team unique from the other teams. Initially, cheerleaders were a lowkey, community-based addition to the game that was intended to boost local morale. They would cut down on your disappointment especially, if your favourite team was a little subpar today. It started as a grassroots thing and just a fun way to rally the troops. That is how it kicked off in the 1950s when cheerleading was a pioneering move.
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| An earlier cheerleader squad |
Rise to iconic status – The 1960s and 1970s saw teams like the Dallas Cowboys elevate cheerleading into a phenomenon. Cheerleading began to get massive push and was becoming an important piece for the playing teams. Think glitter, fierce dance moves and a whole lot of swaggers that even your Instagram feed envies. The cheerleading was getting inventive with their performances. With their meticulously choreographed routines and signature uniforms, the Cowboys Cheerleaders became a global symbol of American sports entertainment. People would watch cheerleading if not the game itself.
Drama and disputes – Despite the glamour, the behind-the-scenes reality was far from rosy. In the backend, there were incidents that were being suppressed. Cheerleaders faced rigorous and often exploitative conditions including strict appearance protocols, unpaid overtime and lawsuits over wage disparities. Despite these harsh conditions, cheerleading continued to thrive.
The squads that ghosted cheerleaders
Not every team is into the whole sparkle scene. They had a different outlook about cheerleading. For some
franchises, it is a matter of tradition but for others, it is a conscious
business decision born out of cultural or economic considerations. Different agenda meant different choices with respect to having a cheerleading group in the team. While 24 of
the 32 NFL franchises invest in cheer squads, 8 teams stand apart by opting not
to have an official cheerleading group. They may appear as a surprise but it is true that you won't find them without cheerleaders cheering them on. Here’s a closer look at each of them…
Buffalo Bills – Once home to the beloved Buffalo Jills, the Bills disbanded their cheer squad following high-profile lawsuits citing unfair labour and pay practices. Until then, they had a cheerleading unit. After a series of lawsuits (think unfair wages and weird ‘jiggle tests’), the squad got axed. They had a reputation to keep in the public eye. The ‘Buffalo Jills’ were axed in the year 2014 following a lawsuit after paying cheerleaders in expired gym memberships, exposure and unpaid wages. Such practices are obvious magnets of lawsuits and settlements. These days, Bills Mafia (their famously rowdy fans) provide the hype by often through table-smashing antics which is a ritual as baffling as Marmite. These kind of activities have totally replaced cheerleading for them. Despite a rich history in cheerleading, the Bills have since opted for alternative sideline entertainment such as drumlines and fan-driven initiatives fill the void. It seems to be a good decision for them so far. They have left many fans nostalgic for the spirited routines of yesteryear. The fans wanted their cheerleaders back. In a 2023 update, a fan filed petition to revive the Jills gained traction but team owners cited ‘priorities’ (i.e. not being sued again). And so, they continue to remain without any cheerleaders today.
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| Buffalo Bills |
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| Chicago Bears |
Cleveland Browns – Unique in that the Browns have never had an official cheerleading squad, their stark approach is often seen as emblematic of the team’s gritty no-nonsense ethos and the pageantry seen in other markets. The team is set apart from the rest in this regard. This absence sparks ongoing debates about whether cheerleaders are an essential part of the football spectacle or merely a dispensable extra. They have been doing fairly well in the NFL and so it raises the thought if cheerleaders have any effect at all. The Dawg Pound is their rabid fan section and the star here is Mascot ‘Swagger Jr.’ (a bullmastiff) and a drumline handle entertainment but no cheerleaders. It is no less fun on the field. The mascot once upstaged the half-time show by stealing a referee’s flag and another time ate a ref’s hat. Everyone had a nice chuckle and it was as good as cheerleading if not better.
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| Cleveland Browns |
Green Bay Packers – Owned by fans who’d rather spend $20 on cheese hats than cheerleaders. What a wonderful team! Being community-owned since 1923, they’ve never had cheerleaders. The Packers are also most likely to never have a squad in the future. As local dairy farmer Stan quipped…
“Why pay for dancers when the crowd’s half-cut on cheese fondue?”
While the Packers once experimented with their own cheerleaders, the harsh Wisconsin winters and preference for utilising local collegiate squads have led to the discontinuation of a dedicated professional group. It just wasn't a possibility to maintain a cheerleading pack. They keep ensuring that the Packers maintain a connection to fan culture without the overhead of a full-time squad. It keeps things rolling for both the fans and the team. The Packers’ sideline is thus marked by a more utilitarian, if not slightly less flashy atmosphere. It goes to show that a NFL team doesn't necessarily need a squad. Wisconsin’s cheeseheads need no embellishment. Yeah, that's right. The Packers, owned by fans, stick to tradition and a 67,000 strong choir belting ‘Bang the Drum All Day’. There is no calm in the stadium with their fans in it.
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| Green Bay Packers |
Los Angeles Chargers – Their ‘Charger Girls’ were cut in 2020 amid cost-saving measures. It was sudden for the audience and fans. Now, they deploy holographic T-rex and TikTok influencers which is a move as popular as pineapple on pizza. I can't tell if holographs are cost-effective than actual cheerleaders. Their focus now is on Justin Herbert’s arm and a very patient fanbase. With online presence, they are gunning forward into the future. Despite having a modern image, operating in a glamorous Los Angeles and playing in a major market, the Chargers have not maintained an official cheer squad. They say that it comes with unexpected baggages. The Chargers have chosen to avoid controversies associated with cheerleading and cut costs by not maintaining an official squad. It seems to be a good move for the team so far. Economic considerations and controversies surrounding cheerleading in the NFL at large have contributed to their decision. Moreover, it is unlikely that they might pull back on this decision any time soon.
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| Los Angeles Chargers |
New York Giants – Axed cheerleaders in the ’80s. They had a cheerleader squad until then before recalling. Much like the Browns, the Giants wanted to do away with the squads. They decided that it was the best decision for their team. The ‘Big Blue Crew’ cheer squad disbanded in the ‘80s. It was a big news back then. This decision aligns with a longstanding organisational culture that emphasises a more traditional no-frills approach to game day presentation. Hence, they cut down their cheerleading wing. Their focus is now on pure football hustle and not extra entertainment. They wanted the crowd to see their raw talent instead and have stuck to it. Rumour has it that the Giants prefer letting their 4 Super Bowl trophies do the talking. Unique flex to the world indeed! Their 2022 fan survey revealed 67% prefer ‘watching Eli Manning’s awkward dance moves on loop’ over pompoms. That speaks volumes about the team and how fans do not care if they had a cheerleading squad or not.
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| New York Giants |
New York Jets – While the Jets do have a sideline dance crew known as the ‘Flight Crew’, they are not considered a full-fledged cheerleading squad in the traditional sense. They can be considered cheerleaders if you want to because they cheer but are not a squad. The distinction is subtle but significant which reflects an organisational decision to opt for a more minimalistic style of sideline entertainment. May be they have had a demand for cheerleaders and so have resorted such a basic work on it. They argue that the focus should be on the game itself rather than on extra spectacle. In the NFL lore, that is a rare call from teams.
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| New York Jets |
Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers once had the ‘Steelerettes’ but the group was disbanded decades ago. The squad was an incredible feature of the team back then. The franchise has since opted not to revive the tradition that is a decision that many fans attribute to a focus on preserving the team’s storied ‘blue-collar’ image. Once axed, they haven't had a cheerleader squad to this day. The ‘Steeline’ drum corps replaces cheerleaders proving that Pittsburghers prefer beats over booty shakes. It is ever so noisy during the games from the Steelers' section. The Steeline drumline’s 2023 snowy halftime gig went viral when a drummer’s sticks froze mid-solo. It was something wonderful because it had never happened before.
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| Pittsburgh Steelers |
NFL cheerleaders have long been a staple of the game day experience. Most of the teams have these colourful unit who infuse energy and life into the games. They provide not only an energetic boost to the crowd but also an image of pageantry and pride that many fans hold dear. Memories are attached to them for their fans. From the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to the spirited squads of the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, cheerleaders add that extra dash of glamour that transforms a football match into a full-blown entertainment spectacle. I personally like to watch a cheerleader squad perform at times to take the mind off.
Global perspectives on NFL v/s Premier League
While NFL teams debate cheerleaders, British football
thrives without them. They defend the lack of cheerleaders too. As ex-Man Utd captain Gary Neville scoffed…
“We’ve got 75,000 fans singing ‘Glory Glory Man United.’ Who needs a tambourine?”
Why ditch the glitter?
The evolution of NFL cheerleading is a tale filled with passion, spectacle and often controversies. It comes with it's own problems that are unseen. In the 1970s and 1980s, many teams embraced cheerleading as a way to amplify their brand and connect with fans. It worked like charm and still does. However, as the decades passed, issues such as low wages, strict appearance standards and exploitative working conditions led to high-profile lawsuits. Frictions like these made things less lucrative in the locker room. Most notably involving the Buffalo Jills and Chicago Honey Bears. The teams went through legal problems involving the said cheerleading issues. These legal battles not only shed light on the precarious nature of cheerleading contracts but also forced some teams to rethink the ethics and viability of maintaining such squads. Based on various outcomes, cheerleading squads either continued or discontinued.
For instance, the disbandment of the Buffalo Jills following
a major lawsuit serves as a cautionary tale. Their entire cheerleader squad was terminated one day. Similarly, the Chicago Bears'
decision to permanently let go of the Honey Bears was driven by both
controversy and the desire to adhere to a particular organisational image. With high stakes came painful business decisions. Meanwhile, teams like the Green Bay Packers who are contending with the harsh
realities of a freezing climate, have found innovative workarounds. The biting cold climate of the Wisconsin makes it impossible to sustain a cheerleader squad who need facilities, skimpy uniforms etc. They have
been opting to collaborate with local colleges rather than funding a professional
squad. Wherever they were to play, they would engage in these collaborations to get the job done. So, why ditch the dazzle? What reasons compel the teams to cut ties with their cheerleaders squad? Let us break it down…
Tradition over trends – Teams like the Bears and Packers cling to heritage. They never had a squad and so they wanted to keep it that way and never spoil the heritage. As Packers CEO Mark Murphy quipped…
“When your fans wear cheese hats, you don’t need glitter”.
Legal nightmares – The Bills’ 2014 lawsuit exposed cheerleaders were earning below minimum wages with some paid in ‘exposure’ and free gym memberships. These were difficult working conditions and illegal to some extent too. The 2014 Bills lawsuit exposed cheerleaders earning US$65 per game which is less than the cost of a VIP parking spot. Accusations were hurled back and forth, so the law had to be roped in. Post-scandal, teams like the Jets and Raiders revamped pay but others axed their squads. They felt that they were better off without cheerleaders. The resulting PR disaster saw multiple teams axing squads pre-emptively. Lawsuits had compounding ramifications on the NFL lore.
Financial pragmatism – Maintaining a cheer squad costs upwards of $1 million annually (insurance, rehearsals and uniforms). That figure is no joke because the amount could cost in the millions. For small-market teams like the Browns, that is cash better spent on a backup quarterback. Hence, no cheerleaders because the financial toll involved is just too great.
Fan culture – Bills Mafia and the Dawg Pound aren’t
just fan groups but they are not the official cheerleading institutions. The fans mortify into a sort of the team's cheerleaders for free. As Browns fanatic ‘Dawg Pound
Dave’ told The Guardian…
“Why pay for cheerleaders when you’ve got 10,000 drunk blokes in dog masks?”
Bills Mafia would rather chug a Labatt Blue off a broken table than watch a choreographed routine. That is an awesome fan! Respect.
Exhorbitant wage disparities – NFL cheerleaders have long been at the centre of lawsuits highlighting stark pay inequalities. The cheerleaders are paid in peanuts. While star quarterbacks command multi-million-dollar contracts, cheerleaders often earn as little as $12–$20 per hour. Notice the huge disparity between the two? Some even reported wages as low as $5 per hour for extensive performance and practice commitments. The NFL demands much of everyone but pays cheerleaders almost nothing while the big bags are hauled off by the teams.
The impact of lawsuits – Legal actions such as those by the Buffalo Jills and Chicago Honey Bears, have not only led to the disbanding of teams but have also sparked national debates on gender equity and labour exploitation in sports. Lawsuits have ended the fan base of some teams and so keeping a cheerleading squad involved the cost of reputation in the long run.
Strict appearance protocols – From mandated hair colours and makeup routines to the infamous ‘jiggle tests’, strict dress codes and fines for any wardrobe malfunctions, cheerleaders have historically been subjected to rigorous and at times, demeaning appearance standards. These incidents border between crime and indeceny. It is like being in a never-ending reality TV show minus the glamour. Cheerleaders are expected to gulp it all down like it's nothing. These rules are often enforced with little regard for financial cost or personal comfort. For some cheerleaders, it can prove to be nightmarish. They have become a symbol of the broader issues within the industry. NFL is not all glam and smiles in the background.
Economic realities – The maintenance of a professional cheerleading squad is an expensive proposition. The investment is alarming! Maintaining a squad costs US $1.4 million annually. A lot of expenditure in involved in labour and merch. For context, that is 1% of Baker Mayfield’s 2023 salary. Cost on cheerleaders is additional payment after the players. For franchises balancing the books in an era of increasing scrutiny over internal wage disparities, the decision to eliminate cheer squads is sometimes seen as a practical business move rather than a cultural statement. The teams could be left with some surplus without cheerleaders. For some teams, the cost just isn’t worth it when compared to the return on investment especially with rising pressure to fix wage inequalities. Hence, they would stick to being a team with no cheerleaders.
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Weather challenges – Teams in colder climates like the Browns and Packers, face the practical nightmare of freezing temperatures. These people have to go back to their home cities after the games. The frigid temperatures make it impossible for the human body to practice cheerleading especially with skirts. Who wants to practice dance routines when it’s snowing outside? If they do, it would involve investment into keeping the facility heated, insured, medics on standby to combat frostbite etc.
The Washington Commanders’ 2021 scandal – involving
alleged exploitation and leaked photos reignited debates and sparked global
outrage. Scandals tore through the league. Ex-cheerleader Bailey Davis’s ued the NFL for discrimination and was
calling squads as ‘archaic pageant holdovers’. She implied that NFL was an unsafe work place for women. She again called the NFL as
‘stuck in the Mad Men era’. Not everything was kosher for these cheerleaders who had to put their bodies on the line for the league's appeal and entertainment. Meanwhile, UK feminists drew parallels to
Premier League’s ‘Page 3’ era asking…
“Why must women jiggle for jersey sales?”
Expert take on this was done by Dr. Emily Cohen who is a
sports psychologist and notes that…
“Cheerleaders are the NFL’s comfort blanket – comforting but nonessential”.
Male cheerleaders – The Rams’ Quinton Peron did
backflips into history in 2018. They were experimenting and hired male cheerleaders. His secret? ‘Treat every routine like it’s
your last Tinder date”. We are yet to see the full impact of male cheerleaders in the NFL.
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| Male cheerleaders |
Alternative solutions – As a workaround, some franchises have collaborated with local college cheerleaders or replaced traditional squads with alternative entertainment options like dance teams or drumlines which can be more adaptable to cities with harsh cold weather but wanting a cheerleader squad. That way, they could offer the crowd a spectacle as well as rile them up for support too.
Shifting cultural norms
The changing face of Sports Entertainment – In today’s digital era, traditional forms of fan engagement are evolving. Technology is getting infused into the NFL. Augmented reality experiences, high-definition broadcasts and social media interactions are providing new ways to connect with fans and reducing the relative importance of on-field cheerleaders. These are not only innovative but a sign of changing times. They bring in new perspectives and market.
Diversity and gender in cheerleading – Recent years have seen strides toward greater diversity in NFL cheerleading with more men joining the ranks and the historic inclusion of transgender cheerleaders. With everyone wanting to the LGBTQA+ community, NFL is embracing diversity. This evolution challenges long-held gender stereotypes and may pave the way for more equitable compensation structures in the future. A lot of talks in the drawing board is ongoing as time goes by.
Impact on fan experience and team identity
For many fans, cheerleaders are the unsung heroes of the game day experience. Cheerleaders cannot be replaced for what they bring to the table. They are a beacon of energy and glamour that elevates the entire spectacle. Their job is full of adrenaline and exhilirating. They are just as important as the players. Without them, some worry that the electric atmosphere of an NFL game might lose a touch of it’s magic. The games might become a bit eye-sore without cheerleaders. On the other hand, supporters of the teams without cheer squads argue that their traditional gritty ethos creates a unique identity that resonates with local values. They push for focus on the games rather than sideview spectacles.
Take the New York Giants or the Pittsburgh Steelers, for example. They have no cheerleaders since forever! Their storied histories and hard-nosed reputations suggest that their success is driven by raw determination on the field rather than sideline showmanship. They never spice up their game performances with cheerleaders. In this light, the absence of cheerleaders can be seen as a deliberate choice to maintain an image of unadulterated football in a game where every second is focused on the clash of titans rather than on dance routines. The crowd and the players will have less distractions as is seen in other games.
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| NFL fans |
Fan reactions are, unsurprisingly, mixed. Some want cheerleaders and some want cheerleaders gone. Social media is abuzz with chatter by some fans lamenting the loss of visual spectacle and others celebrating the unfiltered intensity of the game. However, most NFL teams have a cheerleader squad and continue to invest in them. Regardless of the perspective, it’s clear that the conversation about NFL cheerleaders and the teams that choose not to have them remains as lively as ever. It will be an epic battle of opinions all the time.
Cheerleading’s existential crisis – Necessary or nuisance?
The debate rages on. The war between haters and wanters are always brewing. Pro-cheer advocates argue squads boost engagement and morale. They want cheerleaders to bring life to the games. Critics call them outdated by citing the Premier
League’s cheerleader-free success. They cite other games without cheerleaders. Even the New York Times weighed in with
sports psychologist Dr. Emily Cohen stating…
“Cheerleaders are placebo effect – if fans think they matter, they do”.
Meanwhile, modern teams are reimagining sideline entertainment. NFL teams are constantly experimenting different ideas all the time lately. The Steelers’ Steeline merges hip-hop and rock while the Lions deploy ‘Gridiron Guardians’ which is a co-ed stunt team. That is a visual aspect that is new and unique to all the previous versions. The Chargers? They have gone full tech by using holograms and TikTok influencers. For a generation born wholely into the gadget decade, these might be alluring.
What do fans really want?
A 2023 YouGov poll revealed that 52% of NFL fans barely notice cheerleaders while 33% ‘miss the energy’. Hmmm, interesting. The remaining 15%? They are still Googling ‘how to join Bills Mafia?’ Those bunch have no opinion. British NFL fan @GridironGuvnor tweeted that ‘it’s like a cup of tea without biscuit’s – technically fine but deeply unsettling’. He implied cheerleaders are that critical for both the game and the teams. Fan reactions to the absence of cheerleaders are as diverse as the NFL itself. A beautiful aura enshrouding the American game.
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| Pic credit - GeekWire |
Platforms like Instagram and X have become hotbeds of debate. Fans are showing their support for various causes attached to the NFL sentiments. Hashtags such as KeepAZCCOnTheField (in support of Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders) illustrate the passionate discourse surrounding these decisions. It is clear that cheerleaders are in demand. Fans often share throwback photos, highlight reels and even memes that celebrate the once iconic squads. The crowd wants cheerleaders.
Expert opinions and rare insights
Many cultural analysts, former cheerleaders themselves industry experts, sports economists and sports analysts have weighed in on the absence of cheerleaders among these 8 NFL teams. They find them unique and so have provided various insights into their uniqueness. Some argue that the move is a pragmatic response to evolving cultural norms and financial realities. They seem to be really valid options for the teams to be pursuing. According to one sports economist, the decision to eliminate or never establish a cheer squad is not merely a cost-cutting measure but it is also a reflection of changing attitudes towards gender roles and the exploitation of female workers in the sports entertainment industry. It keeps all the related functions operating smoothly without hitches.
Another expert notes that the proliferation of alternative forms of fan engagement and digital media has reduced the necessity of traditional cheerleading. These provide the fans with real-life and upclose entertainment options. With high-definition cameras and immersive social media experiences, teams can now connect with their fans in ways that don’t rely solely on the visual spectacle of a cheer squad. You can directly write to your favourite team or stars of the NFL using these platforms. Chances are that they will interact back with you personally.
Former cheerleaders, speaking out about their experiences, have provided rare glimpses into the harsh realities of the job. Their profile includes punishing work performances and sadistic expectations. From gruelling auditions to punitive fines for minor uniform mishaps, these accounts have fuelled calls for fairer compensation practices and unionisation across the NFL. The outcry is becoming louder and changes are imminent.
Yet, amid these forward-looking perspectives, there remains
a deep-seated nostalgia for the days when cheerleaders were an integral part of
every NFL game. Most of the teams are holding onto their cheerleading squads while there is resistance from the fans of those who do not want cheerleaders. This tension between cherished tradition and modern pragmatism
is at the heart of the ongoing debate. NFL will remain a melting pot of this debate for a long long time.
The future of NFL entertainment
The debate over NFL cheerleading is far from settled. Changing fans, new fans and fans who quit watching NFL will constantly have their beloved opinions on the topic. As the league continues to evolve, so too do the expectations of fans and players alike. The teams will have to adapt from reading the public pulse. For the 8 teams that have yet to embrace official cheer squads, the future remains an open question. How long will they exist like that? Will these teams ever U-turn? Is there a possibility that they may find opposing perspectives appealing? Will evolving fan expectations and modern marketing strategies eventually convince these franchises to add a touch of sideline sparkle? If they do start having cheerleaders, what kind of squad would that be? Or will they persist in their minimalist approach in championing a no-nonsense and traditional view of American football? So many questions and answers remain speculative.
As the NFL continues to expand it’s global footprint with landmark games in Brazil, Mexico and beyond, the landscape of game day entertainment is evolving. The NFL is diversifying. There is talk (albeit speculative) that some teams may experiment with augmented or virtual reality cheerleading experiences in the near future. We will never know the next magic move. Imagine donning a VR headset and watching a 360-degree performance by digitally rendered cheerleaders…all designed to enhance the live game experience without the economic and logistical burdens of a full-time squad. Wonderful times ahead!
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| Source - wcnc.com |
The ongoing debates about cultural identity, gender and labour rights are reshaping the very nature of NFL cheerleading. In a way, it is making the league better in all aspects. The NFL’s shift toward inclusivity (read gender-neutral ‘performance teams’) and cost-cutting suggests cheerleaders may become niche. As they move countries, they have to adapt and inculcate newer things. Current trends suggest a move toward gender-neutrality and tech-driven entertainment. It might change our outlook of a physical game entirely. The Chargers’ 2023 holographic T-rex halftime show racked up 2M YouTube views while the Bears trial AI-generated crowd chants. Only more research will ascertain what is going to take off soon for the NFL. A 2024 prediction claimed that the Packers will introduce a ‘Cheesehead Challenge’ where fans could hurl foam hats at targets for discounts on bratwurst. That would be an upclose engaging with the fans for the teams.
For now, the 8 NFL teams without cheerleaders stand as a fascinating counterpoint in a league defined by it’s dazzling spectacles and larger-than-life personalities. Even today, the stereotype is to have cheerleaders in a time but these 8 have decided to not abide by that. They remind us that sometimes, in the world of professional sport, less is more and that every team, whether they dance or don’t, writes it’s own unique chapter in the grand story of the NFL. One can still be great as the other teams.
Trivia sidebars
Let’s face it that cheerleaders are, in many ways, the
glitter of the NFL. They add charm and colour to the games. Imagine a NFL game without the rhythmic clapping, the
dazzling dance moves and the infectious enthusiasm. That would be misfitting for a game as heart-pounding as American football. It would be like a
birthday party without cake! Not cool at all. Here are a few fun bits of trivia to tickle your
fancy…
- Uniform evolution – 1970s squads wore wool sweaters but today’s outfits cost US $1,300 each. A whopping difference in how the trends have evolved.
- Male cheerleaders – The NFL’s first full-time male cheerleader Quinton Peron, joined the Rams in the year 2018. His signature move? A backflip into a Brexit metaphor.
- WWII impact – During the war, male cheerleaders dominated as women joined the workforce. But it all changed eventually. Postwar, squads became female-centric and hence reflecting societal shifts. Girls bring in more appeal.
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| Photograph of Syracuse cheerleaders (1922-23) |
- The first male cheerleader – The NFL’s first male cheerleader? Napoleon Jinnies who rallied crowds for the Chicago Cardinals in the year 1926 with a handlebar moustache and a megaphone.
- Super Bowl XLV – was the first to feature no cheerleaders when the Packers took on the Steelers. The game looked slightly out of place. It became a historic moment that left many fans scratching their heads.
- Despite their absence, some teams have seen unofficial cheer squads pop up being organised by die-hard fans who simply can’t bear to miss that extra sparkle. They want to honour their favourite teams by cheerleading for them.
- Historical oddities – Despite Green Bay Packers lacking an official squad, they have occasionally roped in collegiate cheerleaders and ensured that the local flavour remains part of the game day experience. It is a collaboration that is working just fine.
- In some NFL circles, the decision to not have cheerleaders is humorously likened to a football match being a ‘serious business meeting’. The spectacle kind of lacks the pizzazz.
- The Steelers’ drumline once performed in 10°C weather. That is very cold actually. Their sticks didn’t break but several drummers’ fingers nearly did.
- The Bears once tried replacing cheerleaders with a live bear cub. They thought that it would be revolutionary and become most talked about flex. It went down…poorly.
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| Pic credit - Chicago Bears' X profile |
- NFL cheerleader playoffs – In the year 2006, the NFL Network aired the ‘NFL Cheerleader Playoffs’ which was a competition that pitted cheerleaders from 25 teams against each other in a series of athletic challenges. A brilliant idea to make NFL even more interesting than it already was. It was a unique glimpse into the dedication and talent of these performers and the event remains a beloved piece of NFL lore. The playoffs showed that the cheerleaders were also physically invested just as their team's players.
- Pop culture references – NFL cheerleaders have transcended sports. It has reached it's arms almost everywhere in the United States atleast. From cameo appearances in television shows to inspiring pop songs and even merchandise lines, their influence can be seen in various facets of American culture. To be part of the NFL is a coveted life in the US today.
- Unconventional appearances – Some teams have experimented with non-traditional cheerleading. Meaning, they are trying to inculcate other forms of art in their routines. For example, the New York Jets’ Flight Crew offers a more streamlined dance-focused alternative to classic cheer squads. It looks like dance but also cheering is happening. It shows a broader trend towards innovation in fan engagement. Totally unique approach that triggers curiosity.
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| New York Jets' Flight Crew cheerleaders |
- The NFL’s London games – briefly featured cheerleaders in the year 2007 but fans dubbed it ‘as cringe as tea with milk first’. It didn't do well as intended.
- The infamous ‘Jiggle Test’ became a focal point in the Bills’ legal battles and symbolised the exploitation of female cheerleaders. The cheerleaders had to demonstrate their physical prowess during their auditions in order to be accepted. The test was a real buzzkill for anyone into fair pay. These tests were done even on those in the squads so that they always had the standards of cheerleading maintained.
- Some diehard fans have launched unofficial petitions and even formed tribute groups from clinging to memories of the Honey Bears’ halftime glamour. They want their favourite teams to reintroduce cheerleader squads back after several decades.
Final whistle – The game isn’t over!
The absence of cheerleaders among eight NFL teams is more than just a quirky footnote in sports history. You can see the fanfare and trends at work. It is a reflection of shifting cultural, economic and technological landscapes. Change will keep happening throughout the NFL. Whether you view the absence of cheerleaders as a loss of an iconic tradition or as a practical business decision, there’s no denying that it adds another intriguing layer to the rich tapestry of the NFL. It is a fascinating tapestry in the world of American football.
What do you think? Are cheerleaders essential to the game
day experience or do these 8 teams prove that football can be just as
electrifying without them? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
Stay tuned for more in-depth analyses, quirky sports trivia and the latest
updates from the world of American football.
Sources – NFL.com, ESPN, The Guardian,
New York Times, YouTube documentaries on Bills Mafia, interviews with former
cheerleaders, BBC Sport, interviews with ex-cheerleaders, X polls and TikTok.
#nfl #cheerleader #squad #team #games #sports #us #unitedstates #america #nationalfootballleague
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