NFL Cheerleaders Salary: How Much Do They Make Per Game, Who Are the Highest and Lowest Paid, and Other FAQs

NFL cheerleaders are a popular and iconic part of the American football culture, but how much do they actually earn for their performances on the sidelines? In this article, we will explore the average salary of NFL cheerleaders, the factors that affect their pay, and some of the most frequently asked questions about their profession.

How Much Do NFL Cheerleaders Make Per Game?

According to Sports sources, the base salary for NFL cheerleaders typically falls within the range of $9 to $15 per hour for rehearsals, and for each game, they earn anywhere between $75 and $150. Additionally, they have opportunities for public appearances, such as the Pro Bowl and the yearly Combine, where they can earn an average of $50 to $75.

However, these figures may vary depending on the team, the level of experience, and the number of games and appearances they make. Some teams may pay their cheerleaders more than others, and some may offer bonuses or incentives for making the playoffs or winning the Super Bowl. Some teams may also require their cheerleaders to pay for their own uniforms, travel expenses, hair, makeup, and other costs associated with their job.

Highest and Lowest Paid NFL Cheerleaders

It is hard to determine the exact salary of each NFL cheerleader, as most teams do not disclose this information publicly. However, based on some reports and estimates, we can get a general idea of which teams pay their cheerleaders the most and the least.

According to a report, the Highest paid NFL cheerleaders were those from the Dallas Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers, who reportedly earned $75,000 per year. These teams are known for having some of the most popular and well-known cheerleading squads in the league, and they also perform outside of football games.

On the other hand, some of the lowest paid NFL cheerleaders were those from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Tennessee Titans, who reportedly earned $500 per season. These teams are among the few that do not have a junior cheerleading program or a calendar shoot for their cheerleaders.

Of course, these numbers may have changed since 2017, and they may not reflect the current situation of each team. However, they give us a rough idea of how much NFL cheerleaders can expect to make depending on which team they work for.

Do NFL Cheerleaders Get Super Bowl Rings?

NFL cheerleaders do not automatically receive Super Bowl rings when their team wins the championship. The decision to award rings to cheerleaders is up to the discretion of each team owner. Some owners may choose to give rings to their cheerleaders as a gesture of appreciation and recognition, while others may not.

Some teams that have given rings to their cheerleaders in the past include the New England Patriots (in 2015 and 2017), the Denver Broncos (in 2016), and the Baltimore Ravens (in 2013). However, some teams may give other forms of jewelry instead of rings, such as pendants or bracelets.

What Is the Age Limit for NFL Cheerleaders?

There is no official age limit for NFL cheerleaders, as each team has its own requirements and criteria for selecting its squad. However, most teams require their cheerleaders to be at least 18 or 19 years old by a certain date before the season starts. Some teams may also have a maximum age limit or a preferred age range for their cheerleaders.

According to CBS News, the average reported age of an NFL cheerleader is 25 years old. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, in 2014, Kriste Lewis became an NFL cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints at age 40. She is currently the oldest cheerleader in the league at age 42.

Most Asked Questions About NFL Cheerleaders

Here are some of the most common questions that people have about NFL cheerleaders and their answers:

1. How do you become an NFL cheerleader?

To become an NFL cheerleader, you must meet certain requirements set by each team. These may include being at least 18 or 19 years old by a certain date, having a high school diploma or GED equivalent, being physically fit and healthy, having dance or cheerleading experience or training, having a positive attitude and personality, being able to commit to a demanding schedule and lifestyle, and being able to pass various auditions, interviews, tests, and background checks.

2. How long do NFL cheerleaders work?

NFL cheerleaders work for one season at a time, which usually lasts from May or June until February or March of the following year. During this period, they must attend regular practices, training camps, games, appearances, photo shoots, and charity events. They may also have to travel with the team for away games or other events. The exact number of hours and days that they work may vary depending on the team and the season schedule.

3. What do NFL cheerleaders wear?

NFL cheerleaders wear different outfits depending on the team, the weather, the occasion, and the theme of the game or event. Some teams have more than one uniform for their cheerleaders, while others have only one. Some teams may also allow their cheerleaders to wear accessories, such as boots, hats, gloves, scarves, or jackets. The outfits are usually designed to match the team colors and logo, and to showcase the cheerleaders’ physique and style.

4. What do NFL cheerleaders do?

NFL cheerleaders perform various duties and roles related to supporting and promoting their team and the league. Some of their main tasks include:

• Cheering and dancing during football games to entertain and motivate the fans and the players
• Making public appearances at schools, events, conferences, etc., to represent the team and interact with the community
• Participating in photo shoots and calendar shoots to create promotional materials for the team and the league
• Performing in variety shows and tours for the USO and the U.S. Armed Forces overseas
• Mentoring and teaching children in junior cheerleading programs
• Volunteering and fundraising for various causes and charities.

5. How much do NFL cheerleaders weigh?

There is no official weight requirement for NFL cheerleaders, as each team has its own standards and expectations for its squad. However, most teams expect their cheerleaders to be fit and healthy, and to maintain a certain body shape and size throughout the season. Some teams may also have specific measurements or guidelines for their cheerleaders’ height, weight, bust, waist, hips, etc.

According to some reports and estimates, the average weight of an NFL cheerleader is around 120 pounds. However, this number may vary depending on the team and the individual.

6. How many NFL cheerleaders are there?

There are currently 24 out of 32 NFL teams that have a cheerleading squad in their franchise. The number of cheerleaders on each squad may vary depending on the team and the season, but it usually ranges from 20 to 40 members. Therefore, there are approximately 600 to 1,000 NFL cheerleaders in total at any given time.

7. Are NFL cheerleaders employees or contractors?

NFL cheerleaders are generally considered independent contractors rather than employees of their team or the league. This means that they are not entitled to benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, workers’ compensation, overtime pay, or minimum wage. They are also responsible for paying their own taxes and expenses related to their job.

However, some teams may treat their cheerleaders differently or offer them some perks or privileges as part of their contract. Also, some cheerleaders have challenged their status as independent contractors in court cases against their team or the league, claiming that they should be classified as employees and receive fair compensation and treatment.

8. Can NFL cheerleaders date players?

NFL cheerleaders are generally discouraged or prohibited from dating players or other team personnel by their team or the league. This is because such relationships may create conflicts of interest, distractions, favoritism, harassment, or other issues that may affect the performance or reputation of either party.

According to some reports, some teams have strict rules or policies that forbid fraternization, dating, cohabiting, or marrying current team employees by their cheerleaders. Violating these rules may result in fines, suspension, or termination of contract. However, some teams may be more lenient or flexible with their rules or policies regarding this matter.

9. Can NFL cheerleaders have tattoos?

NFL cheerleaders are generally not allowed to have visible tattoos on their body by their team or the league. This is because tattoos may be considered unprofessional, inappropriate, offensive, or distracting by some fans, sponsors, media outlets, or other stakeholders.

According to some reports, some teams have strict rules or policies that require their cheerleaders to cover up any tattoos with makeup or clothing during games or events. Having visible tattoos may result in fines, suspension, or termination of contract. However, some teams may be more lenient or flexible with their rules or policies regarding this matter.

10. Who is the most famous NFL cheerleader?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people may have different opinions or criteria for fame or popularity. However, some possible candidates for the most famous NFL cheerleader are:

• Bonnie-Jill Laflin: She was a cheerleader for both the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s. She later