Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders controversy: Former member reveals ‘dark side’ of pay, pressure and safety

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders faced renewed scrutiny after a former member described low pay, strict appearance rules, mental health struggles and safety concerns behind the famous team. Speaking anonymously to Daily Mail Sport, the former cheerleader said the strong bond between members often helped them cope with the pressure. She said the job gave them close friendships but also left some feeling underpaid and replaceable. The Netflix documentary America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders brought several of these issues to a wider audience. Since then, the team has also announced a major pay increase.Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders pay and strict rulesThe former cheerleader said she earned between $15,000 and $22,000 a year during her time with the DCC and needed two other jobs to cover her expenses. She also questioned comments from Charlotte Jones, who said in the Netflix series that dancers were drawn by passion, purpose and sisterhood rather than money.“It’s very insulting to see someone in such a high position talk about the fact we’re in it for something bigger than ourselves,” the former cheerleader said.“We love the job of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. However, I believe if you want elite dancers, you have to give elite compensation.“We’re all athletes, we’re all incredible performers … the problem is that they will have women lining up every single year willing to do it for less.”The issue had already led to legal action. Former DCC member Erica Wilkins sued the Cowboys over pay in 2018. A 2019 settlement increased hourly pay from $8 to $12 and doubled the game-day payment from $200 to $400.The situation changed again in 2025. Season two of the Netflix series revealed that the cheerleaders received an approximately 400% pay increase. The exact new rates were not publicly disclosed.The former member also described pressure around appearance and strict rules. She said the team expected dancers to maintain a certain image and that mental health support was difficult to afford.“I didn’t have body image issues until I became a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, and I also didn’t have a lot of the bad habits I have now until I was a DCC: I’m a severe people pleaser and overthinker to the max, I’m constantly worried that people are upset with me, even if I’m doing a good job at my work or in relationships.”Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders safety concerns and the Netflix seriesSafety was another concern shown in America’s Sweethearts. Senior member Kelcey Wetterberg spoke about finding an AirTag on her car and the fear it caused her. Another storyline involved Sophy Laufer, who reported that a cameraman had grabbed her after a Thanksgiving game. Police did not bring charges because authorities said there was not enough evidence.The former cheerleader said the pressure could be difficult to leave behind.“You kill your body for years and years for this job where you make nothing. Then at the end of the day, you are viewed as expendable and they will replace you so fast.”She added that the bond between members was still important.“You get hooked on the sisterhood of it all,” the former cheerleader said. “You really fall in love with the girls, they’re your best friends. But we all joke that we’re trauma bonded because of the things we’ve been through.”Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.