The strict set of guidelines that the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are reportedly required to adhere to has left many people astonished.
Known as the DDC, these cheerleaders represent the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys team. The tradition of having a cheerleading squad is a staple among football teams and dates back to the 1950s.
The inception of NFL cheer squads is believed to have started with the Baltimore Colts. Interestingly, the New York Giants remain the sole team in NFL history without a cheerleading team.
Currently, the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers also do not have cheerleaders, according to Diario AS.
Despite this, the Dallas Cowboys are unlikely to dissolve their cheerleading squad any time soon. The team is so iconic that it inspired its own docu-series, with the second season premiering on Netflix on June 18.
The series, titled America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, captured the journey of the squad throughout 2023-2024, showcasing their auditions, training camp, and the NFL season.
The first season was released on Netflix last year and quickly garnered attention, with viewers describing it as ‘so upsetting’ and calling for a trigger warning to be included.
Despite its challenging moments, the series remains captivating, and America’s Sweethearts’ first season impressively holds a 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes.
With the release of the new season, discussions about the Dallas Cowboys have resurfaced, particularly about the stringent rules their cheerleaders must reportedly follow.
According to Cosmopolitan, here are the 23 rules the cheerleaders must adhere to:
1) You must appear ‘well-proportioned’ in dance attire
2) Makeup should feature shades that ‘complement your natural beauty’
3) Only matte eyeshadow is allowed — no glitter eyeshadow
4) Avoid fake eyelashes ‘that are very solid or very long’
5) Stay away from ‘loud/bright’ lip and cheek colors
6) Exercise restraint in contour, highlighter, and spray tans with ‘orange tones’
7) Tattoos must not be visible
8) Dating players is prohibited
9) You must maintain consistent body weight
10) Avoid wearing jeans, as per early squad rules
11) No chewing gum
12) Refrain from pouting
13) Attendance at rehearsals is mandatory
14) Follow a ‘proper diet,’ which includes taking vitamins, eating a healthy breakfast, and drinking eight glasses of water
15) Avoid places where alcohol is served and refrain from attending parties
16) Extend a smile to every living creature you meet
17) No complaining
18) Lateness is not tolerated
19) Do not share ‘provocative pictures’ on Instagram
20) Avoid bringing strangers into group settings
21) Refrain from gossiping about the team on social media
22) Maintain full hair and makeup every day
23) Always say ‘yes ma’am’