Picture this: It’s Sunday afternoon, the stadium’s packed, and the crowd’s buzzing. Suddenly, a burst of color and energy explodes on the sidelines. The cheerleaders leap, flip, and dance, turning a timeout into a show. If you’ve ever wondered which NFL teams have cheerleaders, you’re not alone. The answer isn’t as simple as you might think—and the reasons why might surprise you.
Why Do Some NFL Teams Have Cheerleaders?
Let’s get real. Cheerleaders aren’t just about pom-poms and high kicks. They’re part of the NFL’s culture, adding excitement, rallying fans, and representing their teams in the community. But not every team has them. Some teams dropped their squads years ago, while others never had them at all. The reasons range from tradition to team philosophy to, yes, even controversy.
Which NFL Teams Have Cheerleaders?
If you’re searching for which NFL teams have cheerleaders, here’s the ultimate list. As of the 2024 season, these teams have official cheerleading squads:
- Arizona Cardinals
- Atlanta Falcons
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
- Carolina Panthers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Dallas Cowboys
- Denver Broncos
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Miami Dolphins
- Minnesota Vikings
- New England Patriots
- New Orleans Saints
- New York Jets
- Philadelphia Eagles
- San Francisco 49ers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tennessee Titans
- Washington Commanders
That’s 26 out of 32 teams. If you’re keeping score, that means six teams don’t have cheerleaders. Here’s the part nobody tells you: the reasons why are as interesting as the list itself.
Which NFL Teams Don’t Have Cheerleaders?
Let’s break it down. The following teams don’t have official cheerleading squads:
- Buffalo Bills (as of 2014, the Buffalo Jills disbanded)
- Chicago Bears
- Cleveland Browns
- Green Bay Packers
- New York Giants
- Pittsburgh Steelers
Some, like the Packers, use college cheer squads for select games. Others, like the Giants and Bears, have never had official cheerleaders. The Bills’ story is a little different—their squad, the Buffalo Jills, disbanded after a lawsuit over pay and working conditions. If you’ve ever struggled to understand why your team doesn’t have cheerleaders, you’re not alone. Sometimes, it’s about tradition. Sometimes, it’s about money. Sometimes, it’s about avoiding controversy.
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: The Gold Standard
Let’s talk specifics. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are the most famous squad in the NFL—maybe in the world. They’ve been around since 1972, and their blue-and-white uniforms are iconic. They’ve starred in TV shows, movies, and even their own reality series. If you ask which NFL teams have cheerleaders, most people think of the Cowboys first. Their influence is so big that other teams have tried to copy their style, but nobody’s matched their fame.
What Do NFL Cheerleaders Actually Do?
Here’s the truth: NFL cheerleaders do way more than dance on game day. They practice for hours each week, perform at charity events, visit hospitals, and represent their teams at community functions. Some squads even travel overseas to perform for U.S. troops. The job’s demanding, and the pay isn’t always great. Many cheerleaders have full-time jobs or go to school on top of their cheer commitments. If you think it’s all glamour, think again. It takes grit, athleticism, and a thick skin.
Controversies and Changes in NFL Cheerleading
Let’s not sugarcoat it. NFL cheerleading has faced criticism over pay, working conditions, and treatment of women. Several lawsuits in the past decade have forced teams to rethink how they treat their squads. Some teams, like the Bills, dropped their cheerleaders altogether. Others improved pay and benefits. There’s also a growing movement for more diversity—some squads now include male cheerleaders, breaking old stereotypes. The NFL’s cheerleading world is changing, and fast.
Should Every NFL Team Have Cheerleaders?
Here’s where it gets personal. Some fans love the energy and tradition cheerleaders bring. Others think the NFL should focus on football. If you’re a die-hard fan, you might not care either way. But for many, cheerleaders are part of the game-day experience. They pump up the crowd, support the team, and give back to the community. Still, every team has to decide what fits their culture. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
How to Find Out If Your Favorite Team Has Cheerleaders
If you’re still wondering which NFL teams have cheerleaders, check your team’s official website or social media. Most teams with squads feature them front and center. You’ll find photos, bios, and even audition info if you’re feeling brave. If your team doesn’t have cheerleaders, you might see local college squads or dance teams performing instead. Either way, the sidelines are never boring.
What’s Next for NFL Cheerleaders?
The future’s wide open. More teams might add cheerleaders, or some might drop them. The push for better pay and working conditions will keep growing. Diversity will keep expanding—expect to see more men and people from different backgrounds on the sidelines. If you care about which NFL teams have cheerleaders, keep watching. The story’s still being written.
Final Thoughts: Why It Matters
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: Cheerleaders aren’t just decoration. They’re athletes, ambassadors, and sometimes, the heart of the team’s spirit. Whether your team has a squad or not, the debate over which NFL teams have cheerleaders says a lot about what we value in sports. If you love the energy, the tradition, or just the spectacle, you’re in good company. And if you don’t? That’s okay, too. The NFL’s big enough for all of us.
