Regardless of how the Dallas Cowboys perform on the field this season, there are still many things that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders can take pride in.
With the 2025 NFL season commencing on September 4, as the Dallas Cowboys take on the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, the DCC will enthusiastically celebrate their opening game when they host the New York Giants on September 14 at AT&T Stadium. Notably, this occasion brings a significant boost to their income, with an impressive salary increase of 400 percent.
It was unveiled during the second season of the Netflix documentary series, “America’s Sweethearts,” in June, that the now-retired cheerleader Jada McLean referred to as a significant increase in her compensation, which allegedly had a profound impact on her life.
According to McLean, if the wage increase is implemented, veteran DCC members like herself earning $15 an hour in 2024 might see their pay rise significantly, potentially reaching as high as $75 an hour during this season. Additionally, they would receive $500 for each non-game appearance.
Similar to McLean, experienced cheerleader Megan McElany decided to retire her pompoms following the last season. However, at just 25 years old, who held a marketing/recruitment coordinator position while on the team, expressed on the show, “It’s fulfilling for me knowing I initiated change for those coming after me, even if I won’t directly reap the benefits.
Meanwhile, Kelli Finglass, the DCC director, expressed her great pride in the team’s achievements. In an interview with Decider in June, she shared, “Our whole organization aims to ensure that each member feels appreciated.
Although it’s well-known that NFL cheerleaders historically earn very little given their iconic status, particularly squads like the DCC, joining such an esteemed organization has been a dream for many women, not just in Texas but across the nation, ever since its establishment in 1961.
Despite requiring adherence to numerous regulations, maintaining high standards, and demanding physical endurance, the members of this renowned sisterhood understand and willingly accept what they are committing themselves to.
Kennedy Hannan stated during an interview with TopMob News in May: “It’s quite challenging, both physically and mentally. Yet, having the privilege to experience this journey together with extraordinary females who share the same commitment, drives you to persevere until the very end.
Regardless of whether the Cowboys break their 29-year Super Bowl title wait during this season, it’s evident that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) have scaled unprecedented heights. To uncover the strategies behind their unity, dive into the following insights about how they maintain harmony:
According to former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Caroline Sundvold, who was featured alongside her younger sister Anna Kate Sundvold in the first season of Netflix’s docuseries “American Sweethearts,” the signature jump split moves take a heavy toll.
The doctor advised Caroline that she required surgery due to repeatedly injuring her joints over the course of four seasons, as she mentioned on the program. However, a hip surgery like that typically requires three to six months for recovery. Yet, Caroline expressed her desire to participate in another year of cheerleading, choosing to persevere despite the injury.
After completing her fifth season, Caroline eventually underwent the long-awaited operation. She found the decision entirely justifiable. However, an unexpectedly distressing foot surgery followed, which turned out to be much more challenging for her.
Caroline remarked, “I assumed hip surgery wouldn’t be this tough, but considering the abundance of nerves in the foot, recovery has taken up a significant portion of time since the end-of-season banquet. It’s served as quite an unexpected reminder to prioritize healing properly.
None of which deterred Anna, who after making the 2023 squad was back on the roster for 2024.
The prominent star, Madeline Salter, affectionately known as America’s Sweetheart, was once again in the stands supporting the Cowboys during their 2024 NFL season. On her Instagram account, she has shared more instances of therapy sessions than many others, including regular trips to Kinetic Centre – a clinic specializing in spine and sports rehabilitation. Her visits are aimed at alleviating tension headaches and addressing foot issues with taping.
In a social media post displaying Salter being treated, Dr. Kristina Myles, her sports chiropractor, emphasized that their main goal is to correct the deep tissue layers in the face, which can lead to pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility when injured or overexerted.
For the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, being prepared for football games is second nature, yet it’s important to note that their primary job isn’t their most lucrative source of income.
In 2017, ESPN revealed that NFL team cheerleaders typically earned between $75 and $150 per game, a surprising figure considering many people thought these captivating entertainers were earning substantial or even a livable income.
In the debut season of “America’s Sweethearts”, we encountered Kelcey Wetterberg, a former DCC member, who is a pediatric registered nurse, and Reece Allman (formerly Weaver), a fresh face in the show that later returned for the 2024 season, who balanced her cheerleading income by working at a flower shop in Dallas.
As reported by The Dallas Morning News, the remuneration for cheerleaders now typically approaches around $400 per game, with additional hourly pay for the time dedicated to game preparation and attending events.
Nevertheless, Kat Puryear, an alumna of DCC, expressed on the Netflix program that she earns something similar to a substitute teacher’s wage or that of a full-time employee at Chick-fil-A.
Megan McElaney, set to return in 2024, shared a sneak peek into her usual day, describing herself as an NFL cheerleader juggling three roles, which kicks off at 6:15 a.m. with her morning alarm.
Beyond her daily role as a marketing/recruiting coordinator at Bluecrest Financial Alliances, according to LinkedIn, she has also taken on the role of a makeup artist for The Styling Stewardess. Once all that work is wrapped up, her evenings are spent at AT&T Stadium for practice, which finishes at 11 p.m.
According to Salter’s statement to TopMob News, “DCC (Democratic Convention Committee) has been instrumental in teaching many of us the importance of balancing our schedules. It’s crucial that we carve out time not just for work and DCC duties, but also for personal well-being.
Ensuring top physical condition is an essential aspect of our work, but personalized uniforms designed to fit each cheerleader’s figure have enabled us to transition beyond a period that was overly preoccupied with body image.
In a conversation with TopMob News, Kelli Finglass, the director of DCC since 1991, emphasized that they prioritize ensuring the uniform looks its best and has the most graceful lines without focusing on the dancers’ weights. She added that each dancer takes care of their own nutrition and exercise routines individually. The dance studio even has a gym nearby, and there are nutritionists and mental health experts available for consultation whenever needed.
Women have the liberty to concentrate on their individual routines, and we strive to offer relevant resources and educate them. We keep our involvement minimal and believe this approach contributes positively to the outcome.
On the DCC’s website FAQ, it is recommended that for the auditions, you should appear balanced and fitting in your dance attire. It’s important to note that they do not impose strict height or weight restrictions.
Over the course of time, the DCC organization has undergone changes, with its iconic star-spangled uniforms only being introduced in 1972. However, despite these alterations, the core essence of the organization remains much the same as it was when it first started.
Finglass stated to The New York Times that it appears everything surrounding the cheerleaders has evolved. “They’re adapting to various aspects such as social media and increased visibility,” he said, “but fundamentally, they remain exceptional dancers. A significant portion of their work necessitates a selfless attitude, an aspect that has remained constant throughout our organization’s history.
Another resource at the ready: An etiquette coach.
According to Finglass, they often attend formal dinners with senior military leaders. This exposes them to circumstances that might be new for someone who is an 18 or 19-year-old from a rural area.
Due to the global enthusiasm for the DCC, she elaborated that she enjoys watching them grasp various aspects of it and become well-prepared, polished, and poised individuals. Her goal is simply to equip them with as many tools as possible, fostering their confidence.
Despite having access to professional makeup artists during photo shoots, these women are expected to style their own hair and apply makeup prior to games. (Notably, Sophy Laufer, a team member since 2022, has provided a step-by-step tutorial on achieving her game day glamour look on TikTok.)
In terms of aesthetic guidelines: Avoid red lipstick or nail polish, and ensure your hair is always left loose. For decades, Dallas’ Tangerine Salon has been styling women’s hair to have a bouncy appearance.
As a lifestyle expert, I would say: Despite having the sleekest, smoothest, and flawless legs one could ever imagine, if you’re a Daily Compressed-Stocking wearer (DCC), they’ll still be tucked away in sheer stockings each day.
Additionally, if you sport a tattoo, that’s perfectly acceptable-just ensure it is thoroughly concealed using makeup and bronzer during the matches.
– Spray tans should have a golden hue rather than an orange one, as stated on the DCC website. Also, the shade of the spray tan on the face should match the body’s color to avoid losing facial features due to excessive darkness.
In addition to their role at the DCC, Judy Trammell, our head choreographer, found it gratifying that the essence of their community spirit was evident within the dance troupe known as America’s Sweethearts.
She expressed her disappointment that their long-running CMT reality show, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, which concluded in 2022 after 16 seasons, failed to highlight the various charitable activities they engage in throughout the year, such as USO tours, visits to veterans hospitals, and children’s hospital visits. In her interview with Entertainment Tonight, she stressed that they are involved in much more than what has been depicted on the show.
After you depart from the team, Finglass mentioned to TopMob News, there is a vibrant and interactive alumni group known as The Spirit of DCC that you can become a part of.
Transitioning out of cheerleading can be quite a significant shift, as going from spending nights with your teammates at rehearsals to not seeing them, is much like leaving the military. To help mitigate this change, we immediately involve our alumni in activities because it’s heartbreaking for everyone.
remarking that the women continue to celebrate significant events – including their children’s weddings, years after their days of cheering have ended, Finglass stated, “It feels akin to being a teacher and experiencing joy when your students graduate. Yet, you always eagerly anticipate the arrival of the new incoming class. However, it’s natural to have feelings and connections that may not be experienced or felt on a daily basis.
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2025-09-04 10:17