America's Sweethearts raise their voice

DCCHEERLADERS/ X

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) took the world by storm last summer after Netflix released a docuseries of their lives. “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” provided audiences with the process of auditions, training camp, and how game time performances work during the season.

Starting in 1961, the DCC first began as a group of high school cheerleaders who performed to energize the crowd during football games. In the 1970s, the group slowly began defining their brand. By adding dance elements to their routine, the emblematic blue and white star-spangled outfit, and hiring trained professional dancers, the DCC began building their legacy.

Their iconic nickname, America’s Sweethearts, was appointed back in 1976 when the Dallas Cowboys took on the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl X. With millions of eyes on them, the women on the team inspired many others to pursue their dream of dancing on the sidelines of NFL stadiums.

Since then, earning the title of DCC has become a huge honor for those who have a passion for dance and football. More and more women apply each year, increasing the level of competition and professionalism. With only 36 spots on the squad, both veterans and rookies give it their all to wear the star-spangled outfit and perform the iconic Thunderstruck dance at the beginning of games.

The Netflix docuseries not only showed the admissions process or the performances, but it also highlighted how these girls have a life outside being cheerleaders. A lot of them have multiple jobs aside from cheering for the Cowboys. From working in flower shops to being receptionists at a pilates studio and even helping their family businesses, the discipline these women have is something to be admired.

But why do they work so many outside jobs? Why don’t they just focus on learning the performances and dance for the Cowboys?

A lot of people had that same question when the docuseries came out. The answer was simple: these women were simply not being paid enough to sustain a proper lifestyle. Most of them danced for the Dallas Cowboys organization for the love of the art, because dancing was their passion…not because they were looking to make a career out of it. 

People went on social media to comment on how the pay rate for the DCC was not fair, considering the rough admissions process and rigorous routines. These statements online seemed to encourage the girls on the team to speak up about a topic they had already been thinking about.

Season 2 of America’s Sweethearts revealed a group of veterans seeking a raise. With the whole world now looking at them and supporting their demands, the girls sought out a meeting with the higherups at the organization. They laid their cards on the table and demanded better pay. 

These women were not afraid to raise their voice, to fight for recognition of their hard work. After their initial meeting, nothing really changed. This was disencouraging, of course. But the simple fact that they were able to get a meeting with the executives was progress.

However, the season 2 finale revealed the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders would be getting a 400% increase in their salary. The whole pay structure would be changing in the 2025-2026 season, a huge milestone for DCC veterans who had been fighting for better pay, and any incoming rookies.

One of the big lessons from the second season of America’s Sweethearts was not only to strive and try hard to follow your dreams, but the power of teamwork and raising your voice for what you believe in. The women were counting on the comments the world was making about their pay to see a change in their contract. When they saw nothing had changed, they took matters into their own hands.

These women know first hand the sweat and sacrifice that goes into being part of the DCC. They give their all every single day, in every single practice, game day performance, and appearance. They understand the importance of being poised, wearing big smiles, being kind, sweet, and full of grace.

These girls knew their job was not only a physical challenge but an emotional one too. 

By coming together as a team and raising their voice, demanding to be heard, they showed the world that being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is so much more than learning the Thunderstruck routine, but about being strong women who know their worth. 

With the pay increase and even more popularity in pop culture following the second season of the docuseries, one can imagine there will be even more demand on making the team for the 2025-2026 season.