Cheerleaders bring energy and excitement to NFL games, pumping up the crowd with dances, stunts, and team spirit. If you’ve ever watched a game and wondered, how many NFL teams have cheerleaders?, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll break down how many of the 32 NFL teams have cheerleading squads in the 2024/25 season, why some don’t, and what makes these squads so special. We’ll keep it simple for young readers and pack it with fun facts for football fans!
How Many NFL Teams Have Cheerleaders?
As of the 2024/25 NFL season, 24 out of 32 NFL teams have official cheerleading squads. These squads perform on the sidelines during games, hyping up fans with dances, stunts, and chants. The number of cheerleaders per team varies, but most squads have 20 to 40 members, with some like the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders having around 36.
Here’s a quick look at what cheerleaders do:
- Perform at Games: They dance and cheer during breaks, timeouts, and halftime shows.
- Market the Team: Cheerleaders appear at events, charity functions, and photo shoots to promote their team.
- Support the Community: Many squads, like the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders, visit schools or perform for the U.S. Armed Forces overseas with the USO.
For fans who love team spirit, creating a group inspired by the energy of cheerleaders can be fun. If you’re looking to name a fitness group to stay motivated like these squads, check out weight loss team names for ideas that capture teamwork and energy! You can also explore Teamnamesed.com for more creative team names and sports trivia to boost your NFL fandom.
Which NFL Teams Have Cheerleaders?
Here are the 24 NFL teams with official cheerleading squads in 2024/25, based on available data:
- Arizona Cardinals (AZ Cardinals Dance Team)
- Atlanta Falcons (Falcons Dance Team)
- Baltimore Ravens (Ravens Cheerleading Squad, co-ed with male stuntmen)
- Carolina Panthers (TopCats)
- Cincinnati Bengals (Ben-Gals)
- Dallas Cowboys (Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders)
- Denver Broncos (Broncos Cheerleaders)
- Detroit Lions (Lions Cheerleaders)
- Houston Texans (Texans Cheerleaders)
- Indianapolis Colts (Colts Cheerleaders)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (ROAR of the Jaguars)
- Kansas City Chiefs (Chiefs Cheerleaders)
- Las Vegas Raiders (Raiderettes)
- Los Angeles Rams (Rams Cheerleaders, co-ed)
- Miami Dolphins (Dolphins Cheerleaders)
- Minnesota Vikings (Vikings Cheerleaders)
- New England Patriots (Patriots Cheerleaders, co-ed)
- New Orleans Saints (Saintsations)
- New York Jets (Flight Crew)
- Philadelphia Eagles (Eagles Cheerleaders, co-ed)
- San Francisco 49ers (Gold Rush)
- Seattle Seahawks (Sea Gals)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Buccaneers Cheerleaders)
- Tennessee Titans (Titans Cheerleaders)
- Washington Commanders (First Ladies of Football)
Each squad has a unique name and style, like the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders or the co-ed Baltimore Ravens squad, which includes male stuntmen.
Which NFL Teams Don’t Have Cheerleaders?
Eight NFL teams do not have official cheerleading squads in the 2024/25 season:
- Buffalo Bills
- Chicago Bears
- Cleveland Browns
- Green Bay Packers
- Los Angeles Chargers
- New York Giants
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- New York Jets (Note: The Jets disbanded their Flight Crew for the 2023 season, but there’s talk of bringing them back.)
Why don’t these teams have cheerleaders? Here are some reasons:
- Tradition or Focus on Game: Teams like the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers focus on the football game itself. The Packers use local college cheerleaders from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or St. Norbert’s College for some games, but they don’t have an official squad.
- Financial Reasons: The Los Angeles Chargers disbanded their Charger Girls in 2024, citing budget concerns, though they might return in the future.
- Lawsuits and Criticism: The Buffalo Bills ended their Buffalo Jills program in 2014 after cheerleaders sued over low pay and strict rules. Some teams avoid cheerleading to sidestep controversies about wages or working conditions.
- Cultural Shifts: Teams like the New York Giants have never had cheerleaders, believing they’re not needed for fan engagement. Others face pressure to modernize, as some see cheerleading as outdated or sexist.
Why Do Some Teams Have Cheerleaders and Others Don’t?
Cheerleaders are a big part of American football culture, but not every team embraces them. Here’s why some teams love their cheer squads:
- Fan Excitement: Cheerleaders boost the game-day vibe with dances and stunts. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys use their cheerleaders for marketing, earning money through appearances ($100-$500 per hour per cheerleader) and swimsuit calendars.
- Community Impact: Cheerleaders visit schools, host youth programs, and perform for troops overseas, making them team ambassadors.
- Inclusivity: Since the 2010s, teams like the Rams and Ravens have added male cheerleaders to make squads more diverse and counter claims of sexism.
On the other hand, teams without cheerleaders might see them as a distraction or unnecessary expense. Some fans and coaches, like former Packers coach Forrest Gregg, argue that cheerleaders take focus away from the game.
Fun Facts About NFL Cheerleaders
- First Squad: The Baltimore Colts started the first NFL cheerleading squad in 1954, part of their marching band.
- Pro Bowl Cheerleaders: Since 1992, one cheerleader from each team is picked for the Pro Bowl squad, a huge honor chosen by squads or fan votes.
- Co-Ed Squads: The Baltimore Ravens were the first to use male stuntmen in 1998, and the Dallas Cowboys added male dancers in 2009 with their Rhythm & Blue Dancers.
- Unofficial Squads: Teams without official cheerleaders, like the Cleveland Browns, sometimes have unofficial groups like the Cleveland Spirit Cheerleaders, but they can’t use team logos or perform at games.
Tips for Fans: How to Follow NFL Cheerleaders
Want to learn more about NFL cheerleaders? Here’s how:
- Watch Games: Catch cheerleaders on TV during NFL games on ESPN, FOX, or CBS. They’re shown less on broadcasts now to focus on the game, but you’ll see them at live games.
- Check Team Websites: Visit NFL team sites (like DallasCowboys.com) for cheerleader rosters, photos, and event schedules.
- Follow on Social Media: X accounts like @NFLCheer or team-specific accounts (e.g., @DCCheerleaders) share updates and highlights.
- Attend Events: Cheerleaders often appear at community events or charity functions. Check your team’s site for schedules.
Conclusion
In the 2024/25 NFL season, 24 of the 32 teams have official cheerleading squads, bringing energy to games and communities. Eight teams, like the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, skip cheerleaders for reasons like tradition, cost, or controversies. Whether you love their dances or just enjoy the game, cheerleaders add a special spark to the NFL. Keep cheering for your favorite team, and enjoy the excitement of football season!