advocacy

Dancing for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) is often seen as a prestigious opportunity, but the financial reality for these performers may surprise many. Despite the glamour associated with the role, the salaries of DCC members are not as high as one might expect. In fact, many cheerleaders have openly discussed their earnings, revealing that they often supplement their incomes with additional jobs. One of the standout voices in this conversation is Kat Puryear, who appeared in the Netflix series “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.” She compared her earnings to that of a substitute teacher, stating, “I would say I’m making, like, a substitute teacher salary. I would say I’m making, like, [the same as a] Chick-fil-A worker [who] works full time.” This sentiment reflects the reality faced by many cheerleaders who strive to balance their passion with financial stability. To provide further insight, let’s break down the specifics of what DCC cheerleaders earn. Kristin Westbrook, who danced with the DCC from 2019 to 2022, shared her experience on social media, revealing that she made $15 per hour during practices and received a flat fee of $400 for each NFL game. Additionally, the payment structure for appearances was based on tenure: a rookie would earn $100, while a second-year veteran would receive $200, and so on. Jada McLean, another DCC cheerleader, disclosed in an interview with The New York Times that during the 2024-2025 season, she earned $15 per hour along with a $500 fee for each game she participated in. These figures highlight the disparity between the cheerleaders’ earnings and those of the NFL players, who enjoy significantly higher salaries and benefits, including health insurance. The Cowboys organization classifies cheerleaders as part-time employees, which is a key reason they do not receive full salaries or health insurance coverage. However, the cheerleaders do have access to the team’s medical staff, including doctors and physical therapists, and are encouraged to pursue social media partnerships for additional income. In a notable episode of “America’s Sweethearts,” the cheerleaders attended a “sponsorship day” event, where various businesses provided them with free beauty products and treatments in exchange for online promotion. This initiative illustrates how the cheerleaders leverage their visibility to secure additional benefits, though it still raises questions about the adequacy of their primary compensation. The contrast between cheerleaders and NFL players is stark. While cheerleaders often have to juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet, the football players receive substantial salaries and comprehensive benefits. As Reece Weaver, a DCC member, noted in a podcast, “I know there’s a lot of controversy with how much we get paid and stuff like that. I’m grateful that we do get paid because, in some instances, some NFL programs do not get paid as much as we do.” She emphasized the unique opportunity the role presents, despite the financial challenges. The issue of pay has not gone unnoticed, with some cheerleaders advocating for better compensation. In 2018, Erica Wilkins filed a lawsuit against the Cowboys, claiming she was paid around $7 per hour plus a flat rate of $200 per game, which she argued was less than the team mascot. The case was settled out of court in 2019 for an undisclosed amount, highlighting ongoing concerns about fair compensation within the organization. In a more positive development, the DCC cheerleaders secured a significant pay increase at the end of the 2024-2025 NFL season. Jada McLean, who played a leading role in advocating for better pay alongside teammates Megan McElaney and Amanda Howard, announced that the cheerleaders achieved a remarkable 400 percent salary increase. “We were pretty serious, as leaders, this was something that we really wanted to see a change happen,” Jada explained. “It’s a very great change and I think the girls are gonna benefit a lot from it moving forward.” The new pay structure is expected to allow veteran cheerleaders to earn $75 per hour, although the Cowboys organization has not officially disclosed the updated amounts. Kelli Finglass, the longtime director of the DCC, acknowledged the cheerleaders’ desire for better pay but emphasized her focus on the team’s performance and morale. “We stayed focused on the job at hand. We knew there were some discussions going on,” she said, expressing satisfaction with the positive outcome. As the DCC cheerleaders continue to navigate the complexities of their roles, the conversation around their compensation remains vital. Many aspire to balance their passion for dance with the financial realities of their chosen profession. The recent pay increase is a significant step in the right direction, but it also underscores the ongoing need for transparency and fairness within the cheerleading industry. In conclusion, while being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is a coveted position that comes with unique experiences and opportunities, the financial aspects reveal a much different story. With many cheerleaders relying on side jobs to support themselves, the fight for fair compensation continues. The recent developments in pay structure signal progress, but they also highlight the importance of ongoing advocacy for the rights and recognition of these talented performers.