America’s Sweethearts: The Dark Side of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Revealed

For decades, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) have been a symbol of excellence, beauty, and class in American sports. Known for their iconic white cowboy boots, dazzling smiles, and impressive dance routines, they have captivated the hearts of football fans worldwide. Their popularity was further cemented by Country Music Television’s (CMT) reality show “Making the Team”, which aired from 2006 to 2021, and offered an inside look into the competitive world of NFL cheerleading.

Yet, behind the sparkling image and glossy TV screens lies a darker side of the DCC that has often been overlooked — one involving the harsh realities of body image standards, systemic racism, gender discrimination, and controversial management practices. Netflix’s recent documentary series, “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders”, aims to shed light on these issues while exploring the journey of hopeful dancers vying for a coveted spot on the iconic squad for the 2023–24 season.

The series, directed by Greg Whiteley, the Emmy-winning filmmaker behind “Cheer”, introduces viewers to the intense training camp, auditions, and challenges faced by the cheerleaders, but it also uncovers the more troubling aspects of the cheerleading culture that many fans may not be aware of.

The Struggle for Perfection: Pressure, Beauty Standards, and Self-Esteem

Becoming a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is the ultimate dream for many young women across the country. However, the journey to joining the team is not only highly competitive but also fraught with immense pressure. In order to make the team, women must meet not only the physical demands of their job but also navigate a complex set of beauty standards that prioritize appearance above all else.

In the series, former DCC dancer Victoria reveals the damaging effect this pressure had on her self-esteem and body image. During her audition, she was told by judges to “tone up her tummy” to enhance her chances of making the team. The pressure to maintain a “perfect” physique is compounded by the grueling training sessions, which leave little room for body diversity or any form of individuality.

Victoria’s experience is not an isolated incident. Many dancers in the series candidly share how their self-worth was tied to their appearance, with some even developing unhealthy relationships with food. Former DCC rookie dancers have also spoken out about the damaging impact of constant criticism over their weight or appearance during auditions and training. As one former dancer recalls, she was told repeatedly that she was “too heavy” despite being a US size 2 (UK size 6), adding to the mental and emotional toll of striving to meet the team’s stringent expectations.

This narrative of body-shaming is a recurring theme in the world of NFL cheerleading. In fact, the DCC has faced multiple lawsuits over the years, with former cheerleaders accusing the organization of mistreatment, including wage theft and gender discrimination.

The Legal Fallout: Lawsuits and Allegations

One of the most significant controversies surrounding the DCC came when four former cheerleaders filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the team in 2021, accusing Richard Dalrymple, the Cowboys’ senior vice president of public relations, of filming them in their changing rooms at AT&T Stadium. Though Dalrymple denied the allegations, the Cowboys settled the lawsuit, acknowledging that such claims were taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. In response, Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner, emphasized that the settlement showed the organization’s commitment to handling such accusations responsibly.

In addition to the voyeurism case, DCC dancers have also faced wage-related lawsuits. In 2014, Erica Wilkins, a former cheerleader who danced for the DCC for three years, sued the organization for unpaid wages, claiming she earned only $4,700 after taxes for an entire season. This amount is even more staggering when compared to the salary of the Dallas Cowboys mascot, Rowdy, who reportedly earned $65,000 a year.

For many DCC dancers, the reality is that their “prestigious” roles as cheerleaders come with a steep price — long working hours, limited pay, and a lack of benefits. As Katherine Puryear, another former DCC member, reveals in the documentary, many dancers are paid the equivalent of minimum wage or less, yet they are expected to train for hours, perform during weekends and holidays, and maintain an active presence on social media. It’s clear that the financial and emotional sacrifices for these women often outweigh the glamorous image that the DCC promotes.

Racism and Diversity Issues Within the DCC

Another significant issue that has plagued the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is the lack of diversity within the squad. In the 2023–24 season, only six dancers on the squad were Black. In a franchise that prides itself on being an iconic American institution, this stark underrepresentation of people of color has raised significant concerns.

A former DCC dancer who auditioned for the team in 2014 recalled how she was asked to straighten her hair for auditions, even though she had natural, curly hair. This instruction to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards illustrates the deeply ingrained racism within the team’s recruitment process. Another dancer, a woman of color, was asked whether her dance background was “street” or “hip-hop”, completely disregarding her extensive training in jazz and contemporary dance.

This culture of “racially coded” beauty standards reinforces the idea that being a DCC cheerleader is about more than just talent — it’s about fitting into a very narrow image of what it means to be beautiful, feminine, and marketable. It’s a problem that extends beyond the DCC and has plagued the NFL’s cheerleading world as a whole.

The Cost of Fame: How the DCC Prioritize Television Over Wellbeing

The DCC is often hailed as a television spectacle, and Netflix’s latest reality series is no different in that regard. However, many former dancers have pointed out that creating a captivating TV show often took precedence over the well-being of the women involved. The show’s producers and the Cowboys’ management have been criticized for pushing these young women to their limits, all for the sake of ratings and creating compelling television moments.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when one of the team’s most talented dancers, Hannah Anderson, decided to leave the squad due to the lack of safety protocols, her decision highlighted the “TV-first” approach that many dancers felt was being prioritized over their personal health and safety. This approach has led to criticisms that the DCC’s “sisterhood” is more about the corporate brand than the genuine relationships between the women who form the team.

As one former dancer explained, she would often work 12 to 14-hour days while juggling other jobs just to make ends meet. Yet, despite the grueling schedule and the sacrifice, dancers received only a fraction of the financial compensation they deserved.

Conclusion: The Duality of DCC’s Legacy

The legacy of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders is undeniably complex. While they continue to represent “American excellence” and have achieved global recognition for their iconic image, the darker aspects of their journey cannot be ignored. Issues like misogyny, racism, poor pay, and the relentless pursuit of perfection at the cost of their dancers’ health and well-being have cast a shadow over the squad’s glittering reputation.

As Netflix’s “America’s Sweethearts” pulls back the curtain on the world of NFL cheerleading, it’s clear that while the DCC continues to be a beacon of beauty and grace, the reality for the women who make up the squad is far more complicated. The documentary serves as both a celebration and a critique of the DCC’s enduring cultural impact, and as more women speak out about their experiences, it forces us to reconsider what it truly means to be a part of the “Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.”