Things You Need to Have to Be an NFL Cheerleader

When the NFL season begins, fans are often as excited about the cheerleaders as they are about the players. When you're a girl who grew up watching these glamorous women smile, dance and toss their hair in front of tens of thousands of people, you may have decided you wanted to be one of them. Before you rush to apply, however, be sure you have what it takes to get past the initial audition and make the squad.

  1. Physical Condition

    • Professional cheerleaders are known for their daring moves and ability to dance in synchronization. A background in cheerleading and dance will help a candidate perform the precise movements needed to execute the routines required by the organization. Physical fitness is crucial as well. Girls are required to be in top physical condition in order to wear their uniform to its best advantage. Girls who gain a lot of weight are sometimes cut from the group or put on probation until they lose the pounds.

    Age, Education and Employment Requirements

    • Candidates for a professional cheerleading position must meet certain age requirements. Some organizations require a candidate to be 18 years old by the start of tryouts, while others specify that girls must be 21. The Denver Broncos require cheerleaders to be 21, however, they have an Outlaw Dance Team whose members are 18 and up. Check with the organization you are interested in to see what their requirements are. Photo IDs are typically required as proof of age. Some organizations such as the Minnesota Vikings require cheerleaders to have a high school diploma or GED, while others do not specify educational requirements on their web page. The Dallas Cowboys allow girls who are still high school students to try out, as long as they are 18 by the time auditions begin. Since NFL cheerleading positions are not full-time jobs, many organizations require that candidates are either already employed, attending college or taking care of a home and a family. Once again, the requirements vary between organizations.

    Application and Fee

    • NFL organizations require candidates to fill out an application form with their personal information. Some also charge an application fee. As of 2011, the fee to audition for the New England Patriots was $20 and $25 for the Minnesota Vikings. Fees vary from year to year and by team. Often, a photograph is required as an attachment to the application. Check the guidelines of the team you are interested in.

    Clothing and Shoes

    • Most teams specify on their websites the style of clothing and shoes required for auditions. Two-piece dance outfits are the norm. Many teams require a halter-style top, dance shorts and natural-colored hosiery or dance tights. Dance or athletic shoes are a common requirement, and hard-soled shoes are typically prohibited.

    Personality and Appearance

    • More than anything, a candidate to be an NFL cheerleader should have the personality and appearance of a star. Expertly applied makeup, hair that is styled to perfection and a smile that garners the judges' attention are are helpful when it comes to landing a place on the squad. Interviews are often part of the final weeding-out process as well, so be sure that you possess the ability to speak well and intelligently and that you behave in a professional manner. After all, once you make the squad, you'll be an official representative of an NFL team.