Answers by Evony Thompson, Tennessee Titans Cheerleader
Q: What does it feel like to be an NFL cheerleader?
Nearly 3 years ago in May 2012, when I was a rookie, it felt unreal. I was the youngest one on the team, 19 and a sophomore in college. I didn't know what it was like to be a professional so this caused confrontation and delinquencies.
Upon the first night I made the team, I couldn't sleep because I was overwhelmed with excitement and joy.
When you're a rookie, you're trying desperately to be accepted by veterans because you're an outcast, build your brand to increase appearance bookings, and win the favor of the boss/director to help get you selected for calendar covers, more publicity, and tours.
The process of becoming a cheerleader is highly competitive, more competitive statistically speaking than becoming a player. Hundreds of girls audition for 5-10 "open spots."
Now, being a three-year veteran, things run much more smoothly and I'm much more diplomatic. I've experienced amazing things during my travels, appearances, and games because of my sacrifices.
It's the most rewarding feeling.
Q: What is the audition process like for a spot as a cheerleader for an NFL team?
Every team has a different process, but this is how the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders audition works:
First, select and thoroughly examine the cheer team you're prospecting. You'll quickly realise it's not as easy at is sounds. Watch all their YouTube videos and get familiar with the current roster.
Second, work your butt off. Get prepared to look the best you can. Perfect your physique. Get flexible and make your communication skills proficient.
Next, the first audition is the preliminaries. This consists of a flock of women competing for a spot. The number of women ranges from 200-1000. You'll show off your line kicks and a short intermediate dance routine the director teaches.
Mid-day, the director makes her first cut of girls. The director will add on to the previous dance you've learned. Then, you'll perform again. At the end of the day, There will be 50 girls who receive the "Finalist Letter."
Afterwards, all 50 ladies attend a two-week duration of practice for the final audition, which is a public show downtown. It's a huge event where there are professional performers, bands, and tickets sold.
During these practices, two things happen. All women are interviewed by my director in her office and must present her with a nice, preferably professional head-shot and resume.
Furthermore, two ladies are cut during practice. Usually, it's because of delinquency.
Finally, the final 48 ladies publicly perform their dance three weeks later on stage. This step is the most apprehensive and scary. Even veterans aren't guaranteed a spot back on the team.
In the end, 27 ladies are called from backstage and given a red rose and a congratulatory letter. Then, they proceed to take the official Tennessee Titans Cheerleader photo as a group.
Q: How do NFL cheerleaders prepare for a game?
To prepare for games, we:
Practice three times a week before a Sunday game. Typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Contrary to popular belief, being a cheerleader isn't a full-time career. We practice after work from 7:45 pm-9:45pm. Those days are very tedious.
Choreography changes every game.
Prior to a game, we arrive to the stadium before everyone else. If kickoff is at 12 noon, we have to arrive at 7:30 AM. We practice our dance on the field around 8:30 AM sharp. Then we start the crazy process of getting ready around 9 AM.
Our locker room is sort of like the fashion show chaos you see on TV where all the girls are rushing and freaking out. We have hair and makeup artists.
Before every game, we have appearances with different tailgates to sell calendars, autograph posters, and take pictures.
It's an amazing, surreal experience. I can't imagine what working the SuperBowl is like. Hopefully, I'll experience that one day!