NFL Cheerleading Advice

National Football League (NFL) cheerleaders are a group of women who support their team by getting the crowd involved and rooting on the players. To become an NFL cheerleader, it's important to be aware of the physical requirements, audition process and time commitment. In addition to cheering at games, NFL cheerleaders are required to make personal appearances and participate in photo shoots.

  1. Dance

    • NFL cheerleaders perform dance routines during games. It's important for prospective cheerleaders to have dance experience. Dancing is part of the audition process; cheerleader candidates will be asked to perform high kicks, dance combinations and splits. Some NFL teams, such as the Dallas Cowboys, offer prep classes taught by the choreographers that work with cheerleaders during the season and help individuals prepare for auditions.

    Fitness

    • Prospective NFL cheerleaders should be in good physical condition. While the Dallas Cowboys recommend that candidates be well-proportioned in dance wear, the Minnesota Vikings have a swimsuit competition as part of the audition process. The judges making the final decisions regarding cheerleaders focus on personal appearance, fitness level and figure when determining the final candidates.

    Audition

    • The audition process may include hundreds of women each year for about two dozen spots, depending on the team. The vast majority of candidates have dancing experience and are in top physical condition; competition for cheerleading spots is fierce. In addition to judging dancing skills and physical appearance, cheerleading candidates are also judged on their energy, personality, enthusiasm and showmanship. Some teams require applicants to complete a written exam that tests their knowledge of football and team history.

    Commitment

    • Once a candidate becomes an NFL cheerleader, the real work begins. Although it is a part-time job, cheerleading takes commitment. Cheerleaders are required to practice throughout the week in preparation for upcoming games. In addition to practice and cheering at games, cheerleaders make personal appearances at local charities, work at cheerleading camps, participate in photo shoots and entertain military troops.