Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Average 24,000 Steps per Gameday

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Exceed 24,000 Steps on Average Gameday

The performances of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are as much about endurance as they are about stunning high kicks. A recent feature in Vogue revealed that after a recent game, one cheerleader’s fitness tracker clocked an impressive 24,000 steps. This figure is not even counting the meticulous jump splits they execute during the game. In comparison, the Marathon Handbook states that a typical marathon runner covers about 52,400 steps over a 26.2-mile race.

Operating under the leadership of Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have set high standards in the realm of NFL cheerleading. Their skill and charm have captured fans’ admiration since the debut season of the Cowboys Cheerleaders reality show in 2006. The excitement surrounding the team surged even further this year with the release of the Netflix docuseries “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” which has taken the streaming world by storm and is confirmed for a second season.

Yet, despite their rising fame, the squad maintains a strict regimen. Leading up to every home game, the cheerleaders spend countless hours rehearsing at The Star, the Cowboys’ training facility in Frisco, Texas. Following their rehearsals, the cheerleaders embark on a bus ride to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, a journey spanning approximately 37 miles. These athletes often dedicate around two hours just to perfect their makeup before heading to the field, and some even go through touch-ups upon arrival at the stadium.

The cheerleaders’ unique aesthetic—described as both camera-ready and suitable for rigorous physical activity—requires them to be on their feet well before the games begin. They engage with fans outside AT&T Stadium and then take their positions along the sidelines for the duration of the game, engaging in a seemingly endless series of movements.

While the image of flawless presentation prevails, there’s undeniable hard work behind the scenes. The Netflix series has drawn considerable attention to the lives of NFL cheerleaders, prompting discussions about their compensation. The stark reality reveals that they often earn far less than one would expect.

“Ugh, this is so gross,” one cheerleader was heard exclaiming while removing a sweat-soaked sock. Another cheerleader named Reece shared, “It’s just one of those things you have to push through.” After a long day of performing, the cheerleaders board their bus around 11:22 p.m. for the journey back to Frisco.

This Thanksgiving Day, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders will take center stage during the halftime show, sharing the spotlight with country star Lainey Wilson as the Cowboys compete against the New York Giants at 4:30 p.m. on Fox.