Documentary on Netflix uncovers comparable income of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to Chick-fil-A employees
The docuseries "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," now available on Netflix, offers a revealing glimpse into the cheerleading industry. The series exposes the harsh realities that these women face, including low pay, long hours, increased vulnerability to sexual violence, and stringent beauty standards.
The cheerleaders, who are required to have the physical endurance and agility of athletes, are subjected to harsh working conditions. Despite their demanding roles, their pay is not considered fair, with reports suggesting they were earning around $15 per hour. However, recently, they have received a significant 400% pay raise, increasing their pay up to $75 per hour and potentially reaching about $150,000 per year for the 2025 season.
In stark contrast, NFL players, who the cheerleaders work alongside, can earn anything from $3 million to $50 million.
The series also delves into the emotionally taxing nature of the profession, providing greater insight into the challenges these women face. Sadly, they have also been subject to harassment, stalking, and sexual abuse. In 2015, the Dallas Cowboys team paid a confidential settlement of $2.4 million after four members of the cheerleading squad accused a senior team executive of voyeurism.
Another cheerleader had to file a police report after a game-day photographer touched her inappropriately. Richard Dalrymple, the Cowboys' longtime senior vice president for public relations and communications, was also accused of voyeurism by one of the women in the locker room.
Recent incidents include former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Kelcey Wetterberg, finding a hidden AirTag on her car.
The public's interest in learning more about the cheerleading industry has grown, due in part to the success of Netflix's "Cheer" docuseries. "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" is recommended for viewing for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of this industry.
| Aspect | Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders | NFL Players | |--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------| | Pay (2025) | Up to $75/hour, potentially ~$150,000/year | Typically hundreds of thousands to millions per year | | Harassment Issues | Face significant harassment and safety challenges | Less publicly discussed |
This illustrates a substantial pay gap and highlights ongoing concerns about workplace harassment faced by cheerleaders in the NFL environment.
In the NFL environment, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, despite their physically demanding roles and vulnerable working conditions, are paid considerably less than NFL players, with reports suggesting earnings up to $150,000 per year in contrast to millions for players.
The ongoing harassment issues faced by the cheerleaders, including voyeurism and inappropriate touching, are less commonly addressed in the NFL, emphasizing the substantial pay gap and ongoing concerns about workplace safety.
