What Do the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Do When They Aren’t on the Field? All About Their Day Jobs

Being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (DCC) is a prestigious position that demands dedication, discipline, and a high level of performance. However, the spotlight on the field isn’t where the work stops for many of these athletes. In fact, when they’re not in uniform cheering for America’s Team, several of the cheerleaders juggle demanding day jobs to make ends meet. Season 2 of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on Netflix, which aired on June 18, 2025, highlights the busy lives of these talented women, showing just how they balance the demands of cheerleading with their careers outside of the field.

Veteran cheerleader Jada Mclean shared in the series that there is “no way” she would be able to “survive off just DCC,” a sentiment echoed by many of her fellow cheerleaders. Their personal stories reveal the struggles behind the glitz and glamour of being a professional cheerleader in the NFL.

The Reality of Being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader

While fans often see the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders as icons of grace and beauty, their lives are far from a constant performance. They not only have to maintain their cheerleading commitments—rehearsals, game days, and media appearances—but also manage the pressures of maintaining full-time careers outside of the spotlight.

Marissa Phillips, a DCC veteran, opened up about the grueling schedules that many cheerleaders endure. In an interview with PEOPLE in January 2025, she explained how the cheerleaders “load ourselves up a lot with work,” adding that many of them balance corporate jobs while running side businesses. Phillips, who works at an accounting firm and co-owns a fashion brand, described her days as “long and hard,” but she’s quick to point out that the hard work is worth it. “I’m living the dream that I always hoped for,” she said.

The Diverse Day Jobs of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

Many cheerleaders are not just working at 9-to-5 jobs—they’re pursuing careers they’re passionate about, often in fields far removed from the world of cheerleading. In America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, viewers get an inside look at how some cheerleaders balance their NFL responsibilities with their personal ambitions.

Reece Weaver, a former florist, shifted gears after her rookie season and now runs a successful TikTok account, “Floral Fridays,” showcasing her passion for flowers. Meanwhile, Anna Kate Sundvold has built a career in financial planning services with Bluecrest Financial Alliances, proving that these women aren’t just athletes—they’re business-savvy professionals as well.

Chandi Dayle, a six-year veteran, juggles multiple roles. In addition to her position as a group leader for the DCC, she works at a pilates studio, helps run her family’s drug packaging mail-order pharmacy, serves as a receptionist for one of the team’s sponsors, and even manages social media for a pediatric dentistry practice. Dayle’s ability to wear so many hats speaks to the versatility and determination that defines the cheerleading squad.

Why Do Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Work Multiple Jobs?

The financial side of being a DCC is another challenging aspect. Despite the fame and recognition, the compensation isn’t always sufficient to sustain a full-time lifestyle. According to NBC Sports Boston in 2022, NFL cheerleaders typically earn around $150 per game, with an average annual salary of about $22,500. The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, however, have a higher pay rate, earning $500 per game, bringing their annual salary to around $75,000.

But even with the relatively higher pay, the job is far from financially sustainable for most cheerleaders. Jada Mclean admitted that she could never survive solely on her cheerleading earnings. “We’re all working so many hours outside of DCC, just trying to compensate financially,” she explained. Megan McElaney, another veteran, echoed this sentiment, calling the professional dance world “not a sustainable lifestyle.”

In season 2 of America’s Sweethearts, the cheerleaders fought for higher pay in their contract negotiations, which led to a 400% pay increase for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. This pay hike, which McElaney described as “life-changing,” marks a significant victory for the squad. However, even with this increase, the team still faces the reality that additional sources of income are often necessary to maintain financial stability.

Balancing the Demands of Cheerleading and Day Jobs

With their jam-packed schedules, how do Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders manage to maintain high standards in both their cheerleading and day jobs? For many, effective time management is the key to balancing it all. Phillips, for instance, works a full eight-hour day at her accounting job before heading straight to practice. She even packs all her meals and practice clothes ahead of time, making sure she’s prepared for both her corporate responsibilities and her role on the cheerleading team.

Reece Weaver’s rookie season was particularly demanding, as she worked in a florist shop during the morning hours. Despite the challenges, she used this time to earn extra income while still preparing for the physical demands of cheer practice. “It was especially important during rookie season because I wanted to have something and then come back and do choreography, make sure I’m prepared,” she explained in an appearance on The Unplanned Podcast.

New squad member Allison Khong spent her rookie year balancing her cheerleading commitments with her academic pursuits. She was working toward a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Texas Tech University, a testament to the high level of academic achievement many of these cheerleaders pursue in addition to their athletic careers.

What Have Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Executives Said About These Multi-Tasking Athletes?

While cheerleading director Kelli Finglass emphasizes that the DCC’s primary focus should be on their cheerleading duties, she also supports their pursuit of other career passions. In season 2 of America’s Sweethearts, Finglass praised the cheerleaders for their versatility and drive, saying, “All of their degrees and their careers are actually what make them really impressive.” She went on to say that the cheerleaders’ diverse backgrounds “make them really interesting,” as they are not just dancers—they’re multi-faceted individuals with much more to offer than their cheerleader personas.

The Future of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and Their Day Jobs

The dedication of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to their day jobs reflects their resilience and determination to succeed in multiple areas of life. While the squad’s responsibilities on the field are demanding, it is clear that these women are just as committed to excelling in their professional careers off the field. With the recent pay increase and growing recognition of their hard work, the future of the DCC may be looking brighter, but their journey continues to be one of perseverance and multi-faceted ambition.

These women are not just cheerleaders; they are businesswomen, students, and professionals striving to excel in every aspect of their lives. For the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the grind never stops—even when they’re off the field.