The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are renowned for their high-energy routines, flawless performances, and vibrant team spirit. However, it’s not just their dance moves that set them apart—it’s their remarkable endurance. A recent feature in Vogue revealed that on a typical gameday, the cheerleaders walk a staggering 24,000 steps, which is roughly half the distance of a marathon.
Incredible Endurance on the Sidelines
This impressive step count was highlighted after the Cowboys’ 34-10 loss to the Houston Texans on November 18, 2024. One cheerleader’s fitness tracker captured the 24,000-step tally, sparking conversation about just how much physical activity the cheerleaders go through during a game. Another cheerleader playfully added that this figure didn’t even include the energetic jump splits and other acrobatic moves performed during their routines.
For comparison, a marathon runner takes around 52,400 steps over the course of the 26.2-mile race, emphasizing the physical strain faced by the cheerleaders as they maintain constant movement throughout the game.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Their Demanding Schedule
The work of a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader begins long before the game kicks off. On home game days, they dedicate hours to rehearsing at The Star, the Cowboys’ state-of-the-art training facility in Frisco, Texas. From there, they travel approximately 37 miles by bus to AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Once they arrive at the stadium, the cheerleaders continue their prep, starting with a meticulous two-hour makeup session.
The performances are non-stop once they hit the field. They entertain fans outside the stadium before making their way to the sidelines, where they dance and engage with the crowd throughout the game. Even after the final whistle blows, the cheerleaders’ workday isn’t over—they still have the long journey back to Frisco, often leaving the stadium at around 11:00 p.m.
The Hidden Challenges of a Cheerleader’s Life
While the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are widely admired for their polished appearances and precise routines, their grueling schedule and the physical demands of the job are less visible. After hours of dancing, some cheerleaders are seen struggling to remove their sweat-soaked socks and battle fatigue. One cheerleader, Reece, opened up about the mental and physical fortitude required for the job, stating, “It’s just one of those things that you have to push through.”
The intense physical toll of being a professional cheerleader is evident, as they juggle the pressure of maintaining an immaculate image with the grueling demands of their fitness routines. Yet despite the exhaustion, the cheerleaders continue to push through, demonstrating the dedication and strength required for the job.
The demanding nature of their profession, behind the glitzy costumes and energetic performances, showcases the cheerleaders’ unwavering commitment to their craft. Through their rigorous training, constant engagement with fans, and the physical toll of gameday, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders exemplify endurance in every sense of the word.
