NFL cheerleaders are one of the most recognizable elements of the league. We detail what you should know about them, such as their salary or their rules.
Cheerleaders are one of the most recognizable figures in the NFL . They appear in all the matches, and help make the atmosphere of the match more favorable for the home team, as they cheer on their players. There are many details to consider about cheerleaders, such as knowing how much they charge, what rules they must follow, or what teams they don’t have.
The salaries of NFL cheerleaders, very low
Cheerleaders for different NFL teams have had, especially in recent times, one of the lowest salaries in the entire league. According to specialized media in the United States , before 2014 , they earned five dollars an hour, much less than the 7.25 that the law establishes as the minimum wage. This held until 2015 , when, thanks to a lawsuit by an Oakland Raiders cheerleader , the decision was made to increase pay to $9 an hour.
Just a year later, the cheerleaders filed for another raise, and this time, there was a substantial raise. From the nine dollars that was reached in 2015 , the decision was made to raise the remuneration to fifteen dollars an hour, which could mean an annual charge of between $ 2,000 and $3,500 , according to what Fansided pointed out in the year 2020 . However, it is worth mentioning that the salary scale depends on the status they have, since it will not be the same if you are a starter or a ‘rookie’.
The situation improved over time.
After this, it is worth mentioning that wages have not stopped increasing. In the year 2022 , and, according to the data provided by NBC , the payment received by cheerleaders from the different squads that are part of the NFL is $ 150 per game. This causes them to charge a figure of around 22,500 annually. Compared to what they have received historically, it is a substantial improvement.
In addition, it must be taken into account that they will receive an amount that ranges between 50 and 75 dollars for each public appearance they have. In other words, the more they are on camera, the more money they will receive for their work. Of course, it is worth mentioning that not all teams pay in the same way. In the case of the Dallas Cowboys , their cheerleaders earn between $ 15 and $20 an hour, or even $ 500 per game . In this way, the salaries that they can receive annually would be around 75,000 .
Cheerleaders must follow strict rules
On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that NFL cheerleaders must follow a demanding code of conduct . These rules, considered sexist, include respecting the dress code even when they are not working, prohibiting tattoos or piercings, and there is even a weight control. This is one of the most controversial aspects, since they can be suspended and even fired if the franchise considers that they have gained “a lot of weight.”
Other rules that make up this code include careful use of language, the prohibition of complaints, being away from the players at all times , and even interfering in the cheerleaders’ social networks. The rules state that ‘ inappropriate photos’ should not be taken . In this regard, posts in lingerie or bikinis would be included.
On the other hand, one of the most macho rules of this code indicates that cheerleaders should not wear underwear while wearing their uniforms. They are also not allowed to touch up their makeup or clothing while in the field, and must always be ready to go to work.
Seven teams do not have cheerleaders
Most NFL teams feature cheerleaders. However, there are several squads that do not have. They are the following:
- buffalo bills
- chicago bears
- cleveland browns
- Green Bay Packers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- new york giants
- Pittsburgh Steelers
The reasons for each squad not to have cheerleaders are diverse . In the case of the Packers , they did have them until 1988, when they were abolished, since the coach, Forrest Gregg , thought that they distracted the players and fans from what was important, which was the game. In the case of the Giants , it should be noted that they are the only team in the league that has never had cheerleaders.