The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) are on the middle of the Netflix docuseries America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. The present chronicles the journey from auditions by coaching camp and into the NFL season, providing an inside take a look at each the demanding world {of professional} cheerleading and the private lives of the squad members. Season 2 premiered on June 18, 2025.
Forward of the 2025 NFL season, the cheerleaders noticed a big pay bump their hourly price elevated by roughly 400% to $75, based on The New York Occasions. Nonetheless, that quantity is just a small fraction of what different members of the Cowboys group earn yearly. Whereas the precise wage breakdown has by no means been totally disclosed, Season 1 of the collection made it clear: cheering for an expert sports activities workforce isn’t particularly profitable. The function suits the definition of a “pink-collar job,” a time period coined within the Seventies to explain customer-facing roles historically held by girls and infrequently underpaid.
For years, discussing wage has been taboo however the docuseries thrust the subject into the highlight. Viewers realized that, on prime of perfecting excessive kicks and soar splits, most DCC members additionally juggle full-time jobs in fields like company enterprise, drugs, legislation, dance, health, and social media. Whereas their off-field accomplishments are admirable, many cheerleaders struggled to remain afloat with out holding down a number of jobs. That revelation sparked outrage amongst viewers, who took to social media to criticize the low wages. However there have been no adjustments till Season 2.
Within the newest episodes, a number of veteran cheerleaders together with Jada McLean, Armani Latimer, Amanda Howard, and Megan McElaney take daring steps, approaching workforce management early within the season to barter higher contracts. Regardless of obstacles, together with rumors of a possible walkout that was finally subtle by administration, the cheerleaders continued. Within the emotional finale, it’s revealed that the following season’s squad will obtain a considerable elevate. “We ended up getting a 400% enhance, which is, like, life-changing,” McElaney says, tearfully.
The expertise was each emotional and transformative, says McLean, a five-year squad veteran who retired after the 2024 season. Talking to Selection in a video interview following the Season 2 premiere, she mirrored on the hard-fought victory. And simply days in the past, the DCC appeared on The Tonight Present with Jimmy Fallon, dancing with smiles brighter than ever a celebratory second that capped off their journey with well-earned pleasure.
As a former cheerleader, I completely love the present, it brings again so many nice reminiscences! I typically want I had gone for it and tried out for the workforce again after I was nonetheless filled with power, athleticism, and life. As of late, my knees would positively disagree with that call, however wow, did I’ve a blast in my prime! lol!
Photographs through Todd
