The NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys, have one of the most famous cheerleading teams across all sports around the globe. The cameras have been following the famous Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders for the Netflix documentary America's Sweethearts.
The show has aired two seasons at the time of writing. While season one focused on the journey of the cheerleaders from auditions to training camp, season two, which was released in June 2025, did the same but also followed the team's contract negotiations. The 2024 season for the Cowboys was a gruelling one, finishing third in the NFC East with a record of 7-10 and failing to qualify for the playoffs. They ended with the Philadelphia Eagles stopping the Kansas City Chiefs from winning three Super Bowl wins in a row.
But increasing curiosity continues around cheering squads in the NFL. The Cowboys have a 36-person cheerleading team for every game. This article will uncover squad requirements, as well as how much each cheerleader is earning from being in the squad.
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Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Entry Requirements
The NFL's Dallas Cowboys cheerleading team performing.
There are no specific height or weight requirements to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. However, there are strict rules that each person must follow.
These rules date back as far as 1972, by the legacy choreographer Texie Waterman. This was eventually expanded by Suzanne Mitchell up until 1989, who was responsible for creating the role of goodwill ambassadors for the cheerleaders. This required them to visit the likes of hospitals and orphanages to boost their public image. This was on top of a rigorous fitness regime, travel policies and social engagement policies.
The current director, Kelli Finglass, is a key part of the Netflix documentary where she showcases the comprehensive audition process, strict natural appearance look and a written American football knowledge test.
According to People, here are 9 rules that every cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys are required to follow:
Cheerleaders must attend all rehearsals.
A certain body shape must be maintained.
Hair must be worn down.
Makeup must be neutral and natural.
Provided uniforms must be returned.
Skin-toned hosiery is non-compulsory and must be provided themselves.
A clean and wholesome appearance must be maintained.
Fraternisation with players is prohibited.
Cheerleaders are paid on a schedule.
Average NFL Cheerleader Salary
NBC Sports Boston reported back in 2022 that the average yearly salary for NFL cheerleaders is around $22,500, which equates to around $150 per game.
This is only marginally above the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour at the time of writing, which is $15,080 per year before taxes. It's worth keeping in mind that many states have their own minimum wage laws, which are taken into account with this figure. As a result of this, many lawsuits have been filed over the years advocating for fair pay and improved working conditions.
Cheerleaders are also paid for public appearances, which pay $50 to $75 for each one.
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Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Salary
The Dallas Cowboys' Cheerleaders performing.
Season two of America's Sweethearts finished on a hugely positive note for the Cowboys' cheerleaders. As a result of their successful contract negotiations, Cowboys executives agreed to a "life-changing" 400% pay increase from earning $15 to $20 an hour, $500 per game and $75,000 per year. They are now believed to be earning approximately $151,000 per year (£112,000), taking the raise into account.
The franchise's chief brand officer, Charlotte Jones (daughter of owner Jerry Jones), previously admitted that cheerleaders are underpaid.
There's a lot of cynicism around pay for NFL cheerleaders, as it should be. They're not paid a lot. But the facts are, they actually don't come here for the money. They come here for something that's actually bigger than that to them.
They have a passion for dance. There are not a lot of opportunities in the field of dance to get to perform at an elite level. It is about being a part of something bigger than themselves,
America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Season 2 is available to stream on Netflix now.