Which NFL Teams Don’t Have Cheerleaders?

Cheerleaders add tons of energy to NFL games, hyping up fans with their dances and stunts. But not every NFL team has a cheerleading squad. If you’re wondering, which NFL teams don’t have cheerleaders in the 2024/25 season?, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll list the teams without cheerleaders, explain why they don’t have them, and share some fun facts about NFL cheerleading. We’ll keep it simple for young readers and pack it with info for football fans!

Which NFL Teams Don’t Have Cheerleaders?

As of the 2024/25 NFL season, 8 out of the 32 NFL teams do not have official cheerleading squads. These teams are:

• Buffalo Bills

• Chicago Bears

• Cleveland Browns

• Green Bay Packers

• Los Angeles Chargers

• New York Giants

• Pittsburgh Steelers

• New York Jets

The other 24 teams, like the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins, have cheerleading squads with 20 to 40 members who perform at games and events. For example, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are famous for their iconic routines!

Cheerleading squads are all about teamwork, just like a tight-knit group of friends cheering for their favorite team. If you’re looking to name a small group of buddies who love football, check out six friends group name for fun ideas to capture your crew’s spirit! You can also visit Teamnamesed.com for more creative team names and sports trivia to boost your NFL fandom.

Why Don’t These Teams Have Cheerleaders?

Each of the eight teams has its own reasons for not having cheerleaders. Here’s a closer look:

• Buffalo Bills: The Bills had the Buffalo Jills until 2014, when the squad was disbanded after a lawsuit. Cheerleaders sued over low pay (as little as $150 per season) and strict rules, like being told how to eat or dress. The Bills haven’t brought back an official squad since.

• Chicago Bears: The Bears had the Chicago Honey Bears from 1977 to 1985, but owner George Halas ended the program after the team’s Super Bowl win, saying cheerleaders weren’t needed. The Bears focus on their mascot, Staley Da Bear, and fan traditions instead.

• Cleveland Browns: The Browns have never had an official cheerleading squad. They rely on their Dawg Pound fan section and mascot, Chomps, for game-day energy. Unofficial groups like the Cleveland Spirit Cheerleaders exist but can’t use team logos.

• Green Bay Packers: The Packers, one of the NFL’s oldest teams, have never had official cheerleaders. They use college cheerleaders from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay or St. Norbert College for some games, but their focus is on the game and fan traditions like the Lambeau Leap.

• Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers had the Charger Girls until 2024, when the team paused the program, likely due to budget cuts or a shift in focus to on-field performance. There’s hope they might return in future seasons.

• New York Giants: The Giants have never had cheerleaders, believing they’re not needed for fan engagement. They rely on their loyal fans and big-market status in New York to keep the energy high.

• Pittsburgh Steelers: Like the Giants, the Steelers have never had cheerleaders. They focus on their “Terrible Towel” tradition and passionate fanbase. Former coach Forrest Gregg once said cheerleaders were a distraction from the game.

• New York Jets: The Jets had the Flight Crew until 2022, but the team disbanded the squad in 2023. Reports suggest they’re considering bringing cheerleaders back, but as of 2024/25, they’re without an official squad.

Why Do Some Teams Skip Cheerleaders?

NFL teams without cheerleaders often make this choice for a mix of reasons:

• Tradition: Teams like the Giants, Steelers, and Packers are steeped in history and prioritize the game itself. They believe fans come for football, not sideline performances.

• Cost and Lawsuits: Cheerleading programs can be expensive, with costs for salaries, uniforms, and travel. Lawsuits, like the Buffalo Jills case, have made some teams wary of legal or public relations issues. Cheerleaders have sued over low pay (some earned $8-$12 per hour) and strict rules, like weight limits or bans on fraternizing with players.

• Cultural Shifts: Some critics argue cheerleading is outdated or reinforces stereotypes. Teams like the Chargers and Jets have paused their programs to rethink their approach, possibly adding male cheerleaders or focusing on other fan engagement.

• Fan Focus: Teams without cheerleaders often have strong fan traditions, like the Bills’ tailgates or the Packers’ Lambeau Field atmosphere, that don’t need extra sideline entertainment.

What About the Teams With Cheerleaders?

The 24 teams with cheerleaders use them to boost fan excitement and promote the team. For example:

• Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: They’re the most famous, with a reality TV show and global tours. They earn about $500 per game and appear at events for extra income.

• Baltimore Ravens: Their co-ed squad includes male stuntmen, a trend since 1998 to make cheerleading more inclusive.

• Philadelphia Eagles: Their co-ed squad performs high-energy stunts and supports community events, like school visits.

Cheerleading squads are chosen through tough tryouts, requiring dance skills, fitness, and team spirit. Many cheerleaders are college students, teachers, or dancers who balance cheerleading with other jobs.

Fun Facts About NFL Cheerleaders

• First Squad: The Baltimore Colts started NFL cheerleading in 1954 as part of their marching band.

• Pro Bowl Honor: Since 1992, one cheerleader from each squad is picked for the Pro Bowl, chosen by their team or fan votes.

• Co-Ed Growth: Teams like the Rams, Eagles, and Ravens have male cheerleaders, with the Ravens pioneering male stuntmen in 1998.

• Community Work: Cheerleaders visit schools, host youth clinics, and perform for troops overseas with the USO, like the Cardinals Cheerleaders’ 2024 tour.

Tips for Fans: How to Follow NFL Cheerleaders

Want to learn more about NFL cheerleading? Here’s how:

• Watch Games: See cheerleaders at live games or on TV (ESPN, FOX, CBS). They’re shown less on broadcasts now, but you’ll spot them during timeouts or halftime.

• Visit Team Websites: Check NFL team sites (like MiamiDolphins.com) for cheerleader rosters, photos, and event schedules.

• Follow on Social Media: X accounts like @NFLCheer or team-specific ones (e.g., @DCCheerleaders) share highlights and updates.

• Attend Events: Cheerleaders appear at charity events, fan festivals, or youth camps. Check your team’s site for details.

Conclusion

In the 2024/25 NFL season, 8 teams—Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets—don’t have official cheerleaders. Reasons include tradition, cost, lawsuits, or a focus on the game itself. The other 24 teams use cheerleaders to boost fan energy and promote their brand. Whether your team has cheerleaders or not, the NFL is all about excitement, and fans make every game special!