Which NFL Team Had the First Cheerleading Squad?
The first professional cheerleading squad in the NFL was the Baltimore Colts Cheerleaders, founded in 1954.
The Green Bay Packers
In 1931, the Green Bay Packers became the first NFL team to have cheerleaders. These “Golden Girls” were actually high school students who would perform during halftime at Packers’ home games. The Packers’ cheerleading squad was short-lived, however, and disbanded in 1949. It wouldn’t be until the late 1950s that NFL teams began to revive the idea of having on-field cheerleaders.
The New York Jets
The New York Jets were the first NFL team to have a cheerleading squad. They were known as the “J-E-T-E-R-S Jets” and they performed at games as well as at public appearances and events.
The Dallas Cowboys
In 1972, the Dallas Cowboys became the first NFL team to have a cheerleading squad, known as the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Since then, many other NFL teams have followed suit and have their own cheerleading squads. The Cowboys Cheerleaders are widely considered to be one of the best professional cheerleading squads in the world and have performed at Super Bowls, Pro Bowls, and NBA games.
