National Football League Cheerleading
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For many NFL teams, their franchise also includes a cheerleading squad. Cheerleaders are a popular attraction that can give a team more coverage/airtime, popular local support and increased media image. For the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys was the first team to introduce the concept of cheerleaders to NFL football in 1960.
According to most NFL cheerleading sites, cheerleading is classified as a part-time job. However, this "part-time" job is a substantial commitment of time for practice, 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 1-4 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 U.S. Military 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 8 along with their choreographer into the war zone of Iraq.
As of 2006, a competition strictly for NFL cheerleaders was introduced on The NFL Network, called NFL Cheerleader Playoffs. Two girls from each cheerleading team compete against other mini-teams in various athletic events. This includes kayaking, 100 yd. dash, obstacle courses, and more.
[edit] NFL Cheerleading
[edit] Magazine coverage
Of all the American men's magazines, Maxim most regularly features NFL cheerleaders. While mostly famous for their pin-up style photographs of said cheerleaders, the articles comprise the bulk of modern cheerleader biographical material. Cheerleaders featured in Maxim include:
- Meghan Vasconcellos, Maxim, September 2006
- Bonnie-Jill Laflin, Maxim Hot 100,[1] 2005
- CHEERN.com, Online Pro Cheerleader Magazine,[2] 2007
[edit] Teams
Listed by name, with corresponding NFL football team.
| Name | Established | NFL Team |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders | 1977 | Arizona Cardinals |
| Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders | 1976 | Atlanta Falcons |
| Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders* | 1998 | Baltimore Ravens |
| Buffalo Jills | 1967 They existed as the Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders from 1960-1965 | Buffalo Bills |
| Carolina Topcats | 1996 | Carolina Panthers |
| Chicago Honey Bears | 1976-1985 Virginia McCaskey (Daughter of George Halas) fired the Honey Bears. Their contract was not renewed for the 1985 season becoming the "Curse of the Honey Bears" | Chicago Bears |
| Cincinnati Ben-Gals[3] | 1976 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders | 1960[4] | Dallas Cowboys |
| Denver Broncos Cheerleaders | 1977 | Denver Broncos |
| Green Bay Packers cheerleaders Green Bay Packerettes Golden Girls Sideliners |
Packerettes 1950s Golden Girls 1961-1972 Packerettes 1973-1977[5][6] Sideliners 1977-1986[7] |
Green Bay Packers |
| Houston Texans Cheerleaders | 2002 | Houston Texans |
| Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders | 1977 | Indianapolis Colts |
| Jacksonville ROAR | 1995 | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders | 1960s[8] | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Miami Dolphins Starbrights | 1966[9] | Miami Dolphins |
| Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders | 1984 professional / official | Minnesota Vikings |
| New England Patriots Cheerleaders | 1977 | New England Patriots |
| New Orleans Saintsations | 1977 | New Orleans Saints |
| New York Flight Crew | 2007 | New York Jets |
| Oakland Raiderettes | 1961[10] | Oakland Raiders |
| Pittsburgh Steelerettes | 1960-1969[11] | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders | 1948[12] | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Saint Louis Rams Cheerleaders | 1974 | St. Louis Rams |
| San Diego Charger Girls | 1990[13] | San Diego Chargers |
| San Francisco Gold Rush | 1979 (as a coed quad before becoming an all-girl squad in 1983[14] | San Francisco 49ers |
| Seattle Sea Gals | 1976[15] | Seattle Seahawks |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders (formerly the SwashBuclers from 1976-1999) |
1976[16] | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders | 1975 | Tennessee Titans |
| Washington Redskins redskinettes | 1962[17] | Washington Redskins |
* Ravens Cheerleading Squad is technically a Co-ed Stunt and All-Female Dance squad.
[edit] Notable cheerleaders
[edit] Arizona Cardinals
- Danielle Demski, Miss Arizona USA, 2004
[edit] Atlanta Falcons
- Nicole Duncan, Georgia State University Cheerleading Coach[18]
- Whitney Frink, Hollywood TV Producer
- Tiffany Fallon, Playboy Playmate of the Year 2005
[edit] Baltimore Ravens
- Stacy Keibler, Former professional WWE wrestler
[edit] Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
- Lezlie Deane, actress, founder of techno group Fem2fem
- 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.
- Sarah Shahi, (1999-2000),[19] actress, plays Carmen on The L Word, second season. Most recently on NBC's "Life"
- Jill Marie Jones, actress, plays Toni On Girlfriends
- Kristin Holt, television personality, entertainment news correspondent.
[edit] Denver Broncos
- Katee Doland, Miss Colorado USA 2001
- Tatiana Anderson, Host of ESPN'S TV show Kiana's Flex Appeal[20]
[edit] Kansas City Chiefs
- Krazy George Henderson (1975–1979)
[edit] Miami Dolphins
- Shannon Ford, Miss Florida USA 2002[21]
- Suzy Tavarez, On-Air Personality, LA radio station KIIS-FM
- Brittany Freeman, Miss New Hampshire Teen USA 2004.[22]
[edit] New England Patriots
- Kristin Gauvin, Miss Massachusetts 2005[23]
- Alysha Castonguay, Miss Rhode Island Teen USA 2002
[edit] Oakland/Los Angeles Raiderettes
- Danielle Gamba, Playboy Cyber Girl of the Month, October 2004.
- Jennifer (Jenn) Grijalva, actress, MTV's The Real World (season 18).
- Anjelah Johnson, standup comedian.
- Kiana Tom, TV fitness instructor, model & actress.
[edit] Saint Louis (formerly Los Angeles) Rams
- Lisa Guerrero, (1980s) American sports broadcaster, actress, model
- Jenilee Harrison,[24] (1978-1980), actress, Three's Company
[edit] San Diego Chargers
- Charisma Carpenter, actress, played Cordelia Chase on Buffy the Vampire Slayer
[edit] San Francisco Gold Rush
- Angela King-Twitero, author of The Business of Professional Cheerleading,[25] and dance costume designer (eight NFL Cheerleading teams wear her designs)[26]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.
- Teri Hatcher, actress
[edit] Tennessee Titans
- Dr. Monica Williams, Vanderbilt University cancer research fellow[27]
[edit] Washington Redskins Cheerleaders
- Debbie Barrigan (1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001), Blast! dance troupe member[28]
- Michaé Holloman, (2002-07 ), Miss Maryland USA 2007[29]
- Kristianna Nichols, Mrs. America 1992[30]
[edit] 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.
[edit] 2007 Pro Bowl Cheerleading Squad
[edit] AFC
- Leslie Man Anderson, Baltimore Ravens
- Aimee, Buffalo Bills
- Deanna Hazeley, Cincinnati Bengals
- Holly Flahery, Denver Broncos
- Tiffany Engelking, Houston Texans
- Kristie Minton, Indianapolis Colts
- Amy Froemming, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Shanna Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
- Jaime Edmondson, Miami Dolphins
- Briana Lee, New England Patriots
- Megan Frisk, Oakland Raiders
- Stacie Gazonas, San Diego Chargers
- Jennifer Hill, Tennessee Titans
[edit] NFC
- Brooke Castaneda, Arizona Cardinals
- Jamie Ratliff, Atlanta Falcons
- Kelly Randazzo, Carolina Panthers
- Megan Fox, Dallas Cowboys
- Stephanie Baker, Minnesota Vikings
- Kristen Aucoin, New Orleans Saints
- Amanda Wynn, Philadelphia Eagles
- Janelle Delgado, San Francisco 49ers
- Colleen Murphy, Seattle Seahawks
- Erin Donnelly, St. Louis Rams
- Jessica Diaz, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Kimberly Linberger, Washington Redskins
- Alexis Stewart, Denver Broncos
- Chrystal Raborn, New Orleans Saints
[edit] 2006 Pro Bowl Cheerleading Squad
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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into 2007 Pro Bowl. (Discuss) |
[edit] AFC
- Dorothy Lee, Baltimore Ravens
- Eileen, Buffalo Bills
- Melissa Scalia, Cincinnati Bengals
- Renee Herlocker, Denver Broncos
- Rolanda Johnson, Houston Texans
- Brandi Jones, Indianapolis Colts
- Aubrey Moore, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Amy Day, Kansas City Chiefs
- Danielle O'Connell, Miami Dolphins
- Nicole Schell, New England Patriots
- Nikki Rogers, Oakland Raiders
- Lacy Harrison, San Diego Chargers
- Kerry Arrington, Tennessee Titans
[edit] NFC
- Kristi Gauble, Arizona Cardinals
- Melanie Snare (Sutton), Atlanta Falcons
- Amy Woodard, Carolina Panthers
- Lynlee Allen, Dallas Cowboys
- Theresa Baugus, Minnesota Vikings
- Lindsey Williams, New Orleans Saints
- Tara Keating, Philadelphia Eagles
- Kristin Beisel (Wolff), San Francisco 49ers
- Trina Mills, Seattle Seahawks
- Lacey Baldwin, St. Louis Rams
- Jennifer Abbott, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Courtney DeYoung, Washington Redskins
[edit] 2005 Pro Bowl Cheerleading Squad
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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into 2006 Pro Bowl. (Discuss) |
- Heather Joy, Arizona Cardinals
- Kim Kennedy, Atlanta Falcons
- Jamie R, Buffalo Bills
- Shannon McClattie, Carolina Panthers
- Tara Wilson, Cincinnati Bengals
- Brandi Redmond, Dallas Cowboys
- Sarah Silva, Denver Broncos
- Julie Rainbolt, Houston Texans
- Jennifer Trock, Indianapolis Colts
- Jill Cottingham, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Kendrea White, Kansas City Chiefs
- Jackie Villarino, Miami Dolphins
- Erin Frey, Minnesota Vikings
- Allison Preston, New England Patriots
- Deryn Derbigny, New Orleans Saints
- Kristin Medwick, Oakland Raiders
- Monica Devlin, Philadelphia Eagles
- Lisa Simmons, San Diego Chargers
- Jany Collaco, San Francisco 49ers
- Kiara Bright, Seattle Seahawks
- Sommer Harris, St. Louis Rams
- Leigh Vollmer, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jenita Smith, Tennessee Titans
- Jamilla Keene, Washington Redskins
- Brandi Redmond, Dallas Cowboys
[edit] 2000 Pro Bowl Cheerleading Squad
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It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into 2001 Pro Bowl. (Discuss) |
- Katie Currier, Arizona Cardinals
- Jillian Edwards, Atlanta Falcons
- Meah Pace, Baltimore Ravens
- Julie F, Buffalo Bills
- Nicole Price, Carolina Panthers
- Nikki Lanzetta, Cincinnati Bengals
- Megan Willsey, Dallas Cowboys
- Marie Nesbitt, Denver Broncos
- Carrie Vogel, Indianapolis Colts
- Stephanie Archibald, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Rosie Hannan, Kansas City Chiefs
- Suzanne Bierwith, Miami Dolphins
- Angela Parkos, Minnesota Vikings
- Kalen Mace, New England Patriots
- Lani Quagliano, New Orleans Saints
- Patty Herrera, Oakland Raiders
- Cheryl Williams, Philadelphia Eagles
- Michelle Steptoe, St. Louis Rams
- Susan Macy, San Diego Chargers
- Antoinette Bertolani, San Francisco 49ers
- Angela Adto, Seattle Seahawks
- Kristin Turner, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
[edit] References
- ^ Maxim Hot 100 (2005) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
- ^ [1]].
- ^ Cincinnati Ben-Gals
- ^ Cheerleaders History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Green Bay Packerettes, Green Bay Press-Gazette, Retrieved September 21, 2007
- ^ Ex-Packers cheerleader writes winning slogan for fence, September 9, 2007, Retrieved September 21, 2007
- ^ Legends on Parade to highlight Packers' Glory Years , Green Bay Press-Gazette, August 24, 2007, Retrieved September 21, 2007
- ^ Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Miami Cheerleaders History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Oakland Raiderettes History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Steelerettes History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Charger Girls History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ ) Gold Rush History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Sea Gals History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ www.buccaneers.com Retrieved February 15, 2007.
- ^ Redskin Cheerleader History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Georgia State Cheerleading (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
- ^ Sarah Shahi (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
- ^ Tatiana Anderson (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
- ^ Miss Florida USA (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Brittany's Scrapbook. Miami Dolphins. Retrieved on 2007-08-05.
- ^ Pageant History (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Jenilee Harrison (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
- ^ Angela King (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Angela King Designs (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Dr. Williams (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Debbie Barrigan (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
- ^ Miss Maryland USA (2007) Retrieved February 9, 2007.
- ^ Mrs. America USA (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ The Professional Cheerleader Blog
- ^ Pro Bowl Roster (2007) Retrieved February 8, 2007.
- ^ Pro Bowl Roster (2007). Retrieved February 8, 2007
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Buffalo Jills official site
- Cincinnati Bengals Cheerleaders official site
- Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders official site
- Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders official site
- Patriots Cheerleaders official site
- Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders official site
- Raiderettes official site
- Saint Louis Rams Cheerleaders site
- San Francisco Gold Rush official site
- Sea Gals official site
- Washington Redskins Cheerleaders official site
