NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. For the athletes who are working to earn a spot, the odds are often stacked against them. Roughly 1% of college athletes make it to the next level.
It is not just the players who are in a tough competition for a roster spot. There are about 1,600 players in the league, but only around 750 NFL cheerleaders. Making the competition just as fierce in its own right.
“I really want to be a Titans cheerleader, it allows me to combine all my passions. Passion for dance, performing, and also just community involvement and being part of something that’s greater than myself,” said Bella Cundiff, a Titans cheer rookie.
“It’s indescribable honestly, to see your name and your picture and your video, it feels like all your hard work has paid off finally,” said Susanna Dunn.
Over 400 athletes begin the process. Only 28 will wear the uniform after weeks of precision, performance and perseverance.
“It’s easy to kind of get in your head when you are auditioning and see these incredible human beings. Everyone comes from different walks of life, has their own skillsets. You also have to remember you can’t compare yourself to someone else. You bring what you have to the table, and it’s good enough,” Dunn said.
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The responsibility of representing Titans Cheer is one of many hats most members of the team wear. A majority of the team holds a second or third job on top of their duties as a Titans cheerleader.
“I actually went through grad school while I was on the Titans my first three seasons, graduated with my doctorate in occupational therapy, and since then I’ve been practicing as an occupational therapist in the medical setting, and so it’s been really a challenge but has taught me life skills as well,” Dunn said.
It’s clear after spending the afternoon with the team, whether in year one or year six, the reward of seeing a name on the final roster will always outweigh the cost.
“I think it’d mean everything to me, it’s always been my dream. I think it’d just feel overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude if I were to see that,” Cundiff said.
“They saw what I saw in myself, it’s been really rewarding for the past five seasons, hopefully a sixth season being able to see my name on that screen next to all these amazing human beings who also earn their spot,” Dunn said.
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