The roar of 70,000 fans, the nachos are dripping with fake cheese, the crunch of helmets colliding, the quarterback just threw a pass so bad it’s trending on X and the adrenaline of a lastminute touchdown. American football games are spectacles of showmanship and sport. In the vibrant world of American football, few traditions capture the glamour and spectacle quite like NFL cheerleading. When one thinks of an NFL game, the image of dynamic cheerleaders leading the crowd in rousing chants and dazzling dance routines often comes to mind. Yet, as surprising as it may seem, amidst the 32 NFL franchises, there are 8 NFL teams that have chosen to forego the sparkle of these pom‐poms. This isn’t merely a budgetary decision; it reflects a complex interplay of economic strategy, evolving societal norms tradition and regional culture.

Hey there, gridiron gang! Grab your snacks and settle in because we’re about to dive into one of the NFL’s coolest mysteries. Imagine a Glastonbury headliner without pyrotechnics or a cup of Earl Grey without the biscuit. Today, we take a deep dive into this fascinating phenomenon to explore the reasons behind the absence of cheerleaders, the historical controversies, the economic and technical challenges and what this means for team identity and fan experience.

NFL cheerleading’s brief history

Cheerleading kicked off in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that NFL teams embraced it as a marketing tool.

Early beginnings – NFL cheerleading traces it’s roots back to the 1950s with the Baltimore Colts (later the Indianapolis Colts) pioneering the practice. They were the first to add a little extra pep to their games. Initially, cheerleaders were a lowkey, community-based addition to the game that was intended to boost local morale. It started as a grassroots thing and just a fun way to rally the troops.

An earlier cheerleader squad

Rise to iconic status – The 1960s and 1970s saw teams like the Dallas Cowboys elevate cheerleading into a phenomenon. Think glitter, fierce dance moves and a whole lot of swaggers that even your Instagram feed envies. With their meticulously choreographed routines and signature uniforms, the Cowboys Cheerleaders became a global symbol of American sports entertainment.

Drama and disputes – Despite the glamour, the behind-the-scenes reality was far from rosy. Cheerleaders faced rigorous and often exploitative conditions including strict appearance protocols, unpaid overtime and lawsuits over wage disparities.

The squads that ghosted cheerleaders

Not every team is into the whole sparkle scene. For some franchises, it is a matter of tradition but for others, it is a conscious business decision born out of cultural or economic considerations. While 24 of the 32 NFL franchises invest in cheer squads, 8 teams stand apart by opting not to have an official group. Here’s a closer look at each of them…

Buffalo Bills – Once home to the beloved Buffalo Jills, the Bills disbanded their cheer squad following high-profile lawsuits citing unfair labour and pay practices. After a series of lawsuit’s (think unfair wages and weird ‘jiggle tests’), the squad got axed. The ‘Buffalo Jills’ were axed in the year 2014 following a lawsuit after paying cheerleaders in expired gym memberships, exposure and unpaid wages. These days, Bills Mafia (their famously rowdy fans) provide the hype by often through table-smashing antics which is a ritual as baffling as Marmite. Despite a rich history in cheerleading, the Bills have since opted for alternative sideline entertainment such as drumlines and fan-driven initiatives fill the void. They have left many fans nostalgic for the spirited routines of yesteryear. In a 2023 update, a fan filed petition to revive the Jills gained traction but team owners cited ‘priorities’ (i.e. not being sued again).

Buffalo Bills

Chicago Bears – The Bears once boasted the ‘Honey Bears’ which was a cheer squad that added flair to games at Soldier Field during the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, following controversies and a shift in ownership vision, the Bears have decided against reviving an official squad. Some die-hard fans even whisper of a ‘Honey Bear Curse’ linked to the team's subsequent lack of Super Bowl triumphs. Despite fan nostalgia and even superstitions like the Honey Bear Curse, the franchise has opted to remain cheerleader-free. The Monsters of the Midway haven’t had cheerleaders since the year 1985 which coincides with their Super Bowl Shuffle era. Rumours swirled in the year 2023 about a revival but fans revolted faster than you can say ‘Da Bears’. Their 2023 ‘cheerleader revival’ pitch included a live bear and was vetoed after it mistook the quarterback for salmon. Replacement was a cappella renditions of ‘Bear Down, Chicago Bears’ by fans in Hawaiian shirts (a nod to ’85).

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns – Unique in that the Browns have never had an official cheerleading squad, their stark approach is often seen as emblematic of the team’s gritty no-nonsense ethos and the pageantry seen in other markets. This absence sparks ongoing debates about whether cheerleaders are an essential part of the football spectacle or merely a dispensable extra. The Dawg Pound is their rabid fan section and the star here is Mascot ‘Swagger Jr.’ (a bullmastiff) and a drumline handle entertainment but no cheerleaders. The mascot once upstaged the half-time show by stealing a referee’s flag and another time ate a ref’s hat.

Cleveland Browns

Green Bay Packers – Owned by fans who’d rather spend $20 on cheese hats than cheerleaders. Being community-owned since 1923, they’ve never had cheerleaders. As local dairy farmer Stan quipped…

“Why pay for dancers when the crowd’s half-cut on cheese fondue?”

While the Packers once experimented with their own cheerleaders, the harsh Wisconsin winters and preference for utilising local collegiate squads have led to the discontinuation of a dedicated professional group. They keep ensuring that the Packers maintain a connection to fan culture without the overhead of a full-time squad. The Packers’ sideline is thus marked by a more utilitarian, if not slightly less flashy atmosphere. Wisconsin’s cheeseheads need no embellishment. The Packers, owned by fans, stick to tradition and a 67,000strong choir belting ‘Bang the Drum All Day’.

Green Bay Packers

Los Angeles Chargers – Their ‘Charger Girls’ were cut in 2020 amid cost-saving measures. Now, they deploy holographic T-rex and TikTok influencers which is a move as popular as pineapple on pizza. Their focus now is on Justin Herbert’s arm and a very patient fanbase. Despite having a modern image, operating in a glamorous Los Angeles and playing in a major market, the Chargers have not maintained an official cheer squad. The Chargers have chosen to avoid controversies associated with cheerleading and cut costs by not maintaining an official squad. Economic considerations and controversies surrounding cheerleading in the NFL at large have contributed to their decision.

Los Angeles Chargers

New York Giants – Axed cheerleaders in the ’80s. Much like the Browns, the Giants have a unique claim in NFL lore as one of the only teams that have never employed an official cheer squad. The ‘Big Blue Crew’ cheer squad disbanded in the ‘80s. This decision aligns with a longstanding organisational culture that emphasises a more traditional no-frills approach to game day presentation. Their focus is on pure football hustle and not extra entertainment. Rumour has it that the Giants prefer letting their 4 Super Bowl trophies do the talking. Their 2022 fan survey revealed 67% prefer ‘watching Eli Manning’s awkward dance moves on loop’ over pompoms.

New York Giants

New York Jets – While the Jets do have a sideline dance crew known as the ‘Flight Crew’, they are not considered a full-fledged cheerleading squad in the traditional sense. The distinction is subtle but significant which reflects an organisational decision to opt for a more minimalistic style of sideline entertainment. They argue that the focus should be on the game itself rather than on extra spectacle.

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers once had the ‘Steelerettes’ but the group was disbanded decades ago. The franchise has since opted not to revive the tradition that is a decision that many fans attribute to a focus on preserving the team’s storied ‘blue-collar’ image. The ‘Steeline’ drum corps replaces cheerleaders proving that Pittsburghers prefer beats over booty shakes. The Steeline drumline’s 2023 snowy halftime gig went viral when a drummer’s sticks froze mid-solo.

Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL cheerleaders have long been a staple of the game day experience. They provide not only an energetic boost to the crowd but also an image of pageantry and pride that many fans hold dear. From the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to the spirited squads of the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles, cheerleaders add that extra dash of glamour that transforms a football match into a full-blown entertainment spectacle.

Global perspectives on NFL v/s Premier League

While NFL teams debate cheerleaders, British football thrives without them. As ex-Man Utd captain Gary Neville scoffed…

“We’ve got 75,000 fans singing ‘Glory Glory Man United.’ Who needs a tambourine?”

Why ditch the glitter?

The evolution of NFL cheerleading is a tale filled with passion, spectacle and often controversies. In the 1970s and 1980s, many teams embraced cheerleading as a way to amplify their brand and connect with fans. However, as the decades passed, issues such as low wages, strict appearance standards and exploitative working conditions led to high-profile lawsuits. Most notably involving the Buffalo Jills and Chicago Honey Bears. These legal battles not only shed light on the precarious nature of cheerleading contracts but also forced some teams to rethink the ethics and viability of maintaining such squads.

For instance, the disbandment of the Buffalo Jills following a major lawsuit serves as a cautionary tale. Similarly, the Chicago Bears' decision to permanently let go of the Honey Bears was driven by both controversy and the desire to adhere to a particular organisational image. Meanwhile, teams like the Green Bay Packers who are contending with the harsh realities of a freezing climate, have found innovative workarounds. They’ve been opting to collaborate with local colleges rather than funding a professional squad. So, why ditch the dazzle? Let’s break it down…

Tradition over trends – Teams like the Bears and Packers cling to heritage. As Packers CEO Mark Murphy quipped…

“When your fans wear cheese hats, you don’t need glitter”.

Legal nightmares – The Bills’ 2014 lawsuit exposed cheerleaders were earning below minimum wages with some paid in ‘exposure’ and free gym memberships. The 2014 Bills lawsuit exposed cheerleaders earning US$65 per game which is less than the cost of a VIP parking spot. Post-scandal, teams like the Jets and Raiders revamped pay but others axed their squads. The resulting PR disaster saw multiple teams axing squads pre-emptively.

Financial pragmatism – Maintaining a cheer squad costs upwards of $1 million annually (insurance, rehearsals and uniforms). For small-market teams like the Browns, that’s cash better spent on a backup quarterback.

Fan culture – Bills Mafia and the Dawg Pound aren’t just fan groups but they are institutions. As Browns fanatic ‘Dawg Pound Dave’ told The Guardian…

“Why pay for cheerleaders when you’ve got 10,000 drunk blokes in dog masks?”

Bills Mafia would rather chug a Labatt Blue off a broken table than watch a choreographed routine. Respect.

Exorbitant wage disparities – NFL cheerleaders have long been at the centre of lawsuits highlighting stark pay inequalities. While star quarterbacks command multi-million-dollar contracts, cheerleaders often earn as little as $12–$20 per hour. Some even reported wages as low as $5 per hour for extensive performance and practice commitments.

The impact of lawsuits – Legal actions such as those by the Buffalo Jills and Chicago Honey Bears, have not only led to the disbanding of teams but have also sparked national debates on gender equity and labour exploitation in sports.

Strict appearance protocols – From mandated hair colours and makeup routines to the infamous ‘jiggle tests’, strict dress codes and fines for any wardrobe malfunctions, cheerleaders have historically been subjected to rigorous and at times, demeaning appearance standards. It’s like being in a never-ending reality TV show minus the glamour. These rules are often enforced with little regard for financial cost or personal comfort. They have become a symbol of the broader issues within the industry.

Economic realities – The maintenance of a professional cheerleading squad is an expensive proposition. Maintaining a squad costs US $1.4 million annually. For context, that’s 1% of Baker Mayfield’s 2023 salary. For franchises balancing the books in an era of increasing scrutiny over internal wage disparities, the decision to eliminate cheer squads is sometimes seen as a practical business move rather than a cultural statement. For some teams, the cost just isn’t worth it when compared to the return on investment especially with rising pressure to fix wage inequalities.

Weather challenges – Teams in colder climates like the Browns and Packers, face the practical nightmare of freezing temperatures. Who wants to practice dance routines when it’s snowing outside?

The Washington Commanders’ 2021 scandal – involving alleged exploitation and leaked photos reignited debates and sparked global outrage. Ex-cheerleader Bailey Davis’s ued the NFL for discrimination and was calling squads as ‘archaic pageant holdovers’. She again called the NFL as ‘stuck in the Mad Men era’. Meanwhile, UK feminists drew parallels to Premier League’s ‘Page 3’ era asking…

“Why must women jiggle for jersey sales?”

Expert take on this was done by Dr. Emily Cohen who is a sports psychologist and notes that…

“Cheerleaders are the NFL’s comfort blanket – comforting but nonessential”.

Male cheerleaders – The Rams’ Quinton Peron did backflips into history in 2018. His secret? ‘Treat every routine like it’s your last Tinder date”.

Male cheerleaders

Alternative solutions – As a workaround, some franchises have collaborated with local college cheerleaders or replaced traditional squads with alternative entertainment options like dance teams or drumlines which can be more adaptable to cities with harsh cold weather but wanting a cheerleader squad.

Shifting cultural norms

The changing face of Sports Entertainment – In today’s digital era, traditional forms of fan engagement are evolving. Augmented reality experiences, high-definition broadcasts and social media interactions are providing new ways to connect with fans and reducing the relative importance of on-field cheerleaders.

Diversity and gender in cheerleading – Recent years have seen strides toward greater diversity in NFL cheerleading with more men joining the ranks and the historic inclusion of transgender cheerleaders. This evolution challenges long-held gender stereotypes and may pave the way for more equitable compensation structures in the future.

Impact on fan experience and team identity

For many fans, cheerleaders are the unsung heroes of the game day experience. They are a beacon of energy and glamour that elevates the entire spectacle. Without them, some worry that the electric atmosphere of an NFL game might lose a touch of it’s magic. On the other hand, supporters of the teams without cheer squads argue that their traditional gritty ethos creates a unique identity that resonates with local values.

Take the New York Giants or the Pittsburgh Steelers, for example. Their storied histories and hard-nosed reputations suggest that their success is driven by raw determination on the field rather than sideline showmanship. In this light, the absence of cheerleaders can be seen as a deliberate choice to maintain an image of unadulterated football in a game where every second is focused on the clash of titans rather than on dance routines.

NFL fans

Fan reactions are, unsurprisingly, mixed. Social media is abuzz with chatter by some fans lamenting the loss of visual spectacle and others celebrating the unfiltered intensity of the game. Regardless of the perspective, it’s clear that the conversation about NFL cheerleaders and the teams that choose not to have them remains as lively as ever.

Cheerleading’s existential crisis – Necessary or nuisance?

The debate rages on. Pro-cheer advocates argue squads boost morale and engagement. Critics call them outdated by citing the Premier League’s cheerleader-free success. Even the New York Times weighed in with sports psychologist Dr. Emily Cohen stating…

“Cheerleaders are placebo effect – if fans think they matter, they do”.

Meanwhile, modern teams are reimagining sideline entertainment. The Steelers’ Steeline merges hip-hop and rock while the Lions deploy ‘Gridiron Guardians’ which is a co-ed stunt team. The Chargers? They’ve gone full tech by using holograms and TikTok influencers.

What do fans really want?

A 2023 YouGov poll revealed that 52% of NFL fans barely notice cheerleaders while 33% ‘miss the energy’. The remaining 15%? They are still Googling ‘how to join Bills Mafia?’ British NFL fan @GridironGuvnor tweeted that ‘it’s like a cup of tea without biscuit’s – technically fine but deeply unsettling’. Fan reactions to the absence of cheerleaders are as diverse as the NFL itself.

Pic credit - GeekWire

Platforms like Instagram and X have become hotbeds of debate. Hashtags such as KeepAZCCOnTheField (in support of Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders) illustrate the passionate discourse surrounding these decisions. Fans often share throwback photos, highlight reels and even memes that celebrate the once iconic squads.

Expert opinions and rare insights

Many cultural analysts, former cheerleaders themselves industry experts, sports economists and sports analysts have weighed in on the absence of cheerleaders among these 8 NFL teams. Some argue that the move is a pragmatic response to evolving cultural norms and financial realities. According to one sports economist, the decision to eliminate or never establish a cheer squad is not merely a cost-cutting measure but it is also a reflection of changing attitudes towards gender roles and the exploitation of female workers in the sports entertainment industry.

Another expert notes that the proliferation of alternative forms of fan engagement and digital media has reduced the necessity of traditional cheerleading. With high-definition cameras and immersive social media experiences, teams can now connect with their fans in ways that don’t rely solely on the visual spectacle of a cheer squad.

Former cheerleaders, speaking out about their experiences, have provided rare glimpses into the harsh realities of the job. From gruelling auditions to punitive fines for minor uniform mishaps, these accounts have fuelled calls for fairer compensation practices and unionisation across the NFL.

Yet, amid these forward-looking perspectives, there remains a deep-seated nostalgia for the days when cheerleaders were an integral part of every NFL game. This tension between cherished tradition and modern pragmatism is at the heart of the ongoing debate.

The future of NFL entertainment

The debate over NFL cheerleading is far from settled. As the league continues to evolve, so too do the expectations of fans and players alike. For the 8 teams that have yet to embrace official cheer squads, the future remains an open question. Will these teams ever U-turn? Will evolving fan expectations and modern marketing strategies eventually convince these franchises to add a touch of sideline sparkle? Or will they persist in their minimalist approach in championing a no-nonsense and traditional view of American football?

As the NFL continues to expand it’s global footprint with landmark games in Brazil, Mexico and beyond, the landscape of game day entertainment is evolving. There is talk (albeit speculative) that some teams may experiment with augmented or virtual reality cheerleading experiences in the near future. Imagine donning a VR headset and watching a 360-degree performance by digitally rendered cheerleaders…all designed to enhance the live game experience without the economic and logistical burdens of a full-time squad.

Source - wcnc.com

The ongoing debates about cultural identity, gender and labour rights are reshaping the very nature of NFL cheerleading. The NFL’s shift toward inclusivity (read gender-neutral ‘performance teams’) and cost-cutting suggests cheerleaders may become niche. Current trends suggest a move toward gender-neutrality and tech-driven entertainment. The Chargers’ 2023 holographic T-rex halftime show racked up 2M YouTube views while the Bears trial AI-generated crowd chants. A 2024 prediction claimed that the Packers will introduce a ‘Cheesehead Challenge’ where fans could hurl foam hats at targets for discounts on bratwurst.

For now, the 8 NFL teams without cheerleaders stand as a fascinating counterpoint in a league defined by it’s dazzling spectacles and larger-than-life personalities. They remind us that sometimes, in the world of professional sport, less is more and that every team, whether they dance or don’t, writes it’s own unique chapter in the grand story of the NFL.

Trivia sidebars

Let’s face it that cheerleaders are, in many ways, the glitter of the NFL. Imagine an NFL game without the rhythmic clapping, the dazzling dance moves, and the infectious enthusiasm. It would be like a birthday party without cake! Here are a few fun bit’s of trivia to tickle your fancy…

Uniform evolution – 1970s squads wore wool sweaters but today’s outfits cost US $1,300 each.

Male cheerleaders – The NFL’s first fulltime male cheerleader Quinton Peron, joined the Rams in the year 2018. His signature move? A backflip into a Brexit metaphor.

WWII impact – During the war, male cheerleaders dominated as women joined the workforce. Postwar, squads became female-centric and hence reflecting societal shifts.

Photograph of Syracuse cheerleaders (1922-23)

The first male cheerleader – The NFL’s first male cheerleader? Napoleon Jinnies who rallied crowds for the Chicago Cardinals in the year 1926 with a handlebar moustache and a megaphone.

Super Bowl XLV – was the first to feature no cheerleaders when the Packers took on the Steelers. It became a historic moment that left many fans scratching their heads.

Despite their absence, some teams have seen unofficial cheer squads pop up being organised by die-hard fans who simply can’t bear to miss that extra sparkle.

Historical oddities – Despite Green Bay Packers lacking an official squad, they have occasionally roped in collegiate cheerleaders and ensured that the local flavour remains part of the game day experience.

In some NFL circles, the decision to not have cheerleaders is humorously likened to a football match being a ‘serious business meeting’.

The Steelers’ drumline once performed in 10°C weather. Their sticks didn’t break but several drummers’ fingers nearly did.

The Bears once tried replacing cheerleaders with a live bear cub. It went down…poorly.

Pic credit - Chicago Bears' X profile

NFL cheerleader playoffs – In the year 2006, the NFL Network aired the ‘NFL Cheerleader Playoffs’ which was a competition that pitted cheerleaders from 25 teams against each other in a series of athletic challenges. It was a unique glimpse into the dedication and talent of these performers and the event remains a beloved piece of NFL lore.

Pop culture references – NFL cheerleaders have transcended sports. From cameo appearances in television shows to inspiring pop songs and even merchandise lines, their influence can be seen in various facets of American culture.

Unconventional appearances – Some teams have experimented with non-traditional cheerleading. For example, the New York Jets’ Flight Crew offers a more streamlined dance-focused alternative to classic cheer squads. It shows a broader trend towards innovation in fan engagement.

New York Jets' Flight Crew cheerleaders

The NFL’s London games – briefly featured cheerleaders in the year 2007 but fans dubbed it ‘as cringe as tea with milk first’.

The infamous ‘Jiggle Test’ became a focal point in the Bills’ legal battles and symbolised the exploitation of female cheerleaders. The test was a real buzzkill for anyone into fair pay.

Some diehard fans have launched unofficial petitions and even formed tribute groups from clinging to memories of the Honey Bears’ halftime glamour.

Final whistle – The game isn’t over!

The absence of cheerleaders among eight NFL teams is more than just a quirky footnote in sports history. It is a reflection of shifting cultural, economic and technological landscapes. Whether you view the absence of cheerleaders as a loss of an iconic tradition or as a practical business decision, there’s no denying that it adds another intriguing layer to the rich tapestry of the NFL.

What do you think? Are cheerleaders essential to the game day experience or do these 8 teams prove that football can be just as electrifying without them? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation. Stay tuned for more in-depth analyses, quirky sports trivia and the latest updates from the world of American football.

Sources – NFL.com, ESPN, The Guardian, New York Times, YouTube documentaries on Bills Mafia, interviews with former cheerleaders, BBC Sport, interviews with ex-cheerleaders, X polls and TikTok.

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