NFL Cheerleaders Archives - The Blonde Side

Tag Archive for: NFL Cheerleaders

Eagles Cheerleader Stephanie

Stephanie modeling one of the new Vera Wang Signature Pieces

While I wouldn’t say there is a fully encompassing description of what an NFL cheerleader looks like or does for a living, I’d be willing to say Stephanie, a five-year veteran as a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader and Fundraising Coordinator for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, breaks that typical mold and does so with immense pride.

If you’ve never checked out the Eagles Cheerleader website, let me start you off with this: before accessing the site, there is a “warning” that reads, “Please note, this area contains mature content.” If that doesn’t get your attention as a football fan and lover of beautiful women, then stop reading now.

It’s no secret the Eagles have been my football team of choice since 1991, so this interview on the sidelines of Lincoln Financial Field with Stephanie was by far one of my favorite moments. The Eagles are known around the league for their forward-thinking vision and taking the world of cheerleading to incredibly new and amazing heights all with one thing in mind: their fans. Just as each football team plays a different kind of ball relying uniquely on run games or special teams spectaculars, the cheerleading squads you see on the sidelines are just as unique.

“We are known for being cutting-edge. We were the first to produce an eco-friendly calendar as well as the first to have a lingerie-themed calendar, which really set us apart from the typical swimsuit calendars,” Stephanie, also known as Miss January 2014, brags. “We are the first and only to have uniforms created by an internationally renowned designer (Vera Wang), and the first to create a Cheerleader Calendar Mobile App. These are just a few examples of our creative mentality. It’s exciting to be a part of a squad that is always implementing new ideas!”

As two hardcore Eagles fans, we talk about our love for Brian Dawkins and the bad rap Philly sports fans get from the rest of the world. “I think Eagles fans are the most passionate fans in the NFL – we live and die with the team, we bleed green! We have a great history of football tradition here in Philadelphia and are very proud of that history and tradition. The reason why Philly fans get a bad rap sometimes is because we are so passionate…but that passion comes from love. It’s our love of the game, our team, our city, our fellow fans. I am so proud to be an Eagles fan and be in the constant company of incredible fellow fans here in Philadelphia. Just like the Eagles organization, Eagles fans stand behind important community initiatives. With the support from Eagles fans, over the last several years more than $1.7 million has been raised for breast cancer care and research in the Philadelphia region. Eagles fans support our troops, help feed the hungry with our food drive, support research for Autism, participate heavily in the Eagles Go Green campaign, and much more. E-A-G-L-E-S- EAGLES,” she says without stopping for air.

Together we could go on and on about the love for our team and fans, but this isn’t an Eagles PSA, so we’ll move on.

Stephanie participating in a NFL Network promo

As someone who’s clearly never been a cheerleader, it always amazes me to hear these women describe their roles and their game day routines and rituals, but I think Stephanie explains it best. “I always use this analogy what it feels like to be on the field for the first time as a Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, that it’s a lot like getting on a roller coaster,” where she pauses to inform me that roller coasters are one of her top three biggest fears in life.

“Once you’re strapped in and climbing toward the first drop, as much as you want to freak out and start screaming, there is no getting off so you just hang on and get ready for the ride of your life. After five years on the squad, I guess you can say that as soon as the ride stops, I am the woman running to get back in line to do it all over again,” she says admitting that the experience and adrenaline are addicting.

Stephanie is just one of the 38 beautiful, smart and driven women on the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader roster where she has served as a captain for the past two seasons and serves as perhaps the most dynamic representation of the organization. Calling these women smart and driven is by far an understatement. “I have had teammates with careers that included being a registered nurse, architect, teacher, accountant, and more. I always joke we need to start our own company. That way we can give ourselves the day off after a game!” she laughs.

Oh, and back to not exactly looking like your “typical” cheerleader (her words), Stephanie stands at 5’6″ and weighs 124 lbs. with long black hair. “I am proud of who I am and how I look. I wish more celebrities would publicly embrace a healthy weight and lifestyle rather than promoting dieting and being skinny so they could be role models for young girls today. It’s important for young girls to know it’s not about what you weigh, it’s about your health, how you feel, and loving the way you look,” she says.

Stephanie was also selected to model for Esquire magazine’s “Me in My Place” feature alongside supermodels Chrissy Teigen and Jessica Hart.

Stephanie – Down the Shore Calendar

And Stephanie isn’t the only one that loves the way she looks and feels; she’s one of the favorites on the Eagles sidelines, by players and fans alike, and is featured as Miss January 2014 in the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders 2013-2014 Calendar. “I was extra excited for this year’s shoot, because all the net proceeds are being donated to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. It is a cause near and dear to our hearts because so many of us grew up spending family vacations or living at the Jersey Shore and it was devastating to see the damage. Through the calendar, we hope to show the great resiliency of the shore communities and contribute to the rebuilding efforts,” Stephanie says. And that’s just one of the ways the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders set themselves apart from the other women in the league.

“I love that our uniforms were designed by Vera Wang. We are the only squad to have uniforms created by an internationally famed designer. I really like that our look is so different from other teams. We have a very fashion-forward look that is both sporty and chic. My two favorite signature pieces are the sweater with the modern design and sleeve length and the jacket with the Eagles wings logo motif. Also, I’m a woman truly obsessed with shoes so I absolutely love our new black sparkle sneakers that Vera Wang designed just for us,” she says.And it isn’t just the uniforms and the amazing friendships she’s made being an Eagle cheerleader that Stephanie raves about, it’s the entire organization. “The Eagles organization as a whole embraces change and knows that to make a difference on and off the field you have to be willing to evolve. That’s why you can see progressive decisions being made like bringing on Chip Kelly as the Head Coach with his innovative approach and adding wind turbines to adorn the top of Lincoln Financial Field. I think the Eagles Go Green efforts are absolutely on a playing field of their own,” she says.

Stephanie admits that it’s probably just her and “the entire world’s population of 13-year-olds” that bought Bieber’s Believe album, but there’s just something about the Biebs that makes you want to dance, she says. But then admits she’ll dance to pretty much any kind of music.

Don’t let her goofball personality or devotion to Justin Bieber fool you. Like many of the NFL cheerleaders I’ve interviewed, Stephanie too is an over-achiever it seems and I sometimes wonder how she gets so much accomplished having the same 24-hour window that we all are gifted with. All before the age of 22, Stephanie graduated from Drexel University where she earned her Bachelors in Design and Merchandising with a minor in both business and dance where she was also a four-year member of the soccer team as well as captain of the Division I Drexel Dance Team, then went on to earn her MBA from Philadelphia University where she had a life-changing opportunity to participate in a study abroad program in India where she checked off the Taj Mahal from her bucket list. I repeat, all before the age of 22.

As if her big heart, her beautiful dark eyes and olive skin weren’t enough to make you fall in love, she loves to bake too, although admits it’s crazy she doesn’t own a microwave and prides herself on buying all organic and not going anywhere near artificial sugars. Stephanie says a lot of her recent free time (what free time I ask again?) she’s been baking pumpkin inspired goodies to help celebrate and get into the fall season to share with her squad.

You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, nor should you judge a cheerleader by her obsession of catalogs. Yes, catalogs.

“For some reason, I find looking at catalogs really relaxing and flip through them as I workout. They are really easy to page through while working out and it takes my mind away from that ‘I’m going to fall over and die if I do one more sprint’ feeling,” the Pen Argyl small town native laughs.

One of her newest obsessions is the new craze of The Color Run. “There is just something about being doused in different colors of paint at every kilometer that I find delightful. I also love that the run celebrates healthiness, happiness, and individuality,” she explains.

Stephanie’s coveted Trading Card

For those who have never experienced Philadelphia sports for real, let me let Stephanie walk you through an Eagles game day. I won’t say an “average” Eagles game day, because the word average doesn’t exist in those parking lots.

“The excitement starts long before you enter the stadium. Tailgating is one of our great traditions at Lincoln Financial Field. For a 1:00 PM kickoff, you can see Eagles fans in the parking lots by 7:00 AM tailgating. The excitement in the air is almost tangible. Once you enter the stadium, it is a sea of green jerseys. When our fight song is played pre-game and after touchdowns, 70,000 fans are singing it together! Throughout the game, you will hear sections of fans competing with one another for the loudest E-A-G-L-E-S cheer! I also love that we live in a city that bears all the elements. We get the blazing heat of the August preseason games, the crisp fall that is synonymous with it being football season, and the brutal winters…and our fans never leave their seats! We are tough, proud, and passionate,” she explains.

As an Eagles fan having ventured into The Vet and The Linc on multiple occasions, I couldn’t agree more with Stephanie.

Will the beautiful Stephanie return for a sixth year? You never know, but she does end with this. “I love my career, but as an NFL cheerleader, I just feel like I am living a dream and I don’t know how you ever walk away from that,” she says before adding how incredibly grateful she is for this experience.

This was part of The Blonde Side’s sports column on CBS Man Cave Daily. Click here to see the original article.

December 6, 2013/by Jayme

Colts Cheerleader Allie Never Quits

Cheerleading

Allie J from the Colts

There’s this thing about Indianapolis. Though I’ve never been and I don’t really know anyone from there, I get the sense it’s one of the greatest and friendliest places on earth (minus the cold weather of course). My girl Allie, one of the 26 lucky ladies named a 2013 Colts Cheerleader, only strengthens that belief for me. Like Jillian Michaels meets Manny Pacquiao kind of strength. She’s that good.

I’ve interviewed many NFL Cheerleaders in my day and each and every one surprises more and more. Not that I thought for one second these girls were shallow or uneducated, but hearing about their hectic schedules and seeing what their workouts and practices look like firsthand, and then hearing about their schooling and careers, I’m literally amazed. I talk about football all day, so my job’s not that hard. These women do that too but multiplied by at least 20. Maybe even 30.

Allie J. has got to be the most energetic and well-spoken cheerleader I’ve interviewed yet. She takes her job as an NFL Cheerleader very seriously as she semi-jokes about the mental preparation she put in before this interview.

As we talk about work and all the commitment that goes into being one of the illustrious “Sweethearts of the Horseshoe,” Allie walks me through a typical day, which looks a little something like this:

7:45 a.m. Arrive at work (She’s an office manager of a home lending company)

Lunch Hour: Head out to a workout with the trainer, then back to the office

Various Work Breaks: Practicing dances in the supply closets (she isn’t kidding either)

6-9:00 p.m. Cheerleader practice, which includes dance and fitness training (but of course, there’s practice before practice, so this is probably more like 5-9 p.m.)

Yay for Colts Cheerleaders!

10 p.m. Finally head home to prep and do it all again

As she almost runs out of breath explaining such a hectic day to me, she can see my questioning look, like she’s been down this road before. “Sounds fun doesn’t it?” she laughs. “But I love every second of it,” she finishes before I can even ask the question she knows I’m going to ask.

We talk a little more about her workouts and the time commitment that goes into it. “I would dare anyone to come try a high-intensity interval training class with our official trainer. I might even go so far as to say a few of the players in the league would struggle through these workouts (excluding Colts players of course). In a normal week we spend an average of 14 hours dedicated to fitness training and practice. Time management is critical as most of us are employed full-time or are full-time students,” she explains.

Yeah, I have to admit. I’d love to see a big ole offensive lineman next to these ladies trying to do the same workout. It would be entertaining on many levels, maybe even worthy of a few prop bets.

In her third season as a Colts Cheerleader, Allie was by far a perfect representation for not only the other women on the team, but the organization as a whole. Every question led right back to the same topic: the fans.

Allie J from the Colts

I asked Allie to tell me about Lucas Oil Stadium since I’ve yet to experience it. “How can I describe a building where every square inch is designed with the fans in mind? It’s an explosion of state-of-the art high-tech sights and sounds! Our stadium was recently voted #1 overall in the league. It was opened in 2008 and holds just over 64,000 fans,” she says. At the last second she adds, “A perfect venue to host Super Bowl XLVI!”

And those 64,000 fans are exactly why Allie loves her role as a Colts Cheerleader.

We talk about how crazy and fun the atmosphere is, which always leads to asking if she still gets nervous performing in front of all those fans? “What’s the term for feeling excited, energized, pumped, awe-struck, your heart beating wildly, anticipating the win… Is that euphoric? That’s what I get!” she says.

You might be surprised to learn that Allie’s best experience as a Colts Cheerleader didn’t happen on the sidelines, but rather mid-field. “My best experience is without question the honor of singing our National Anthem with two of my teammates last season at a home game. It was so surreal! I don’t know if anything will ever top that!” she reminisces.

Originally from Centerville, OH, where she attended The Ohio State University, we talk about her “stats.” I mean, we always talk about the weight and height and size of the players, but shouldn’t this topic be reserved for the ladies? Allie is a little taller than me, standing at 5’4 and weighing 115. We talk about my sport’s column, The Blonde Side and she adds that she’s a natural blonde, unlike yours truly. I still firmly stand behind the fact I’m a natural dirty blonde, which is almost as good. And yes, Allie and I are both living proof that blondes do in fact have more fun.

Allie is the rare kind of girl that A) hates shopping and B) can throw a “beautiful” 35-40 yard spiral. A beautiful girl throwing a beautiful spiral? What more could guys want? Why isn’t there a movie with that exact title? Her perfect date night would include a double feature scary movie complete with popcorn and chocolate-covered raisins followed by a seafood dinner.

Her knowledge of football extends well beyond the Colts current roster and your standard quarterback stats. “My high school lays claim to three well-known college and NFL players so naturally they would have been my favorites: AJ Hawk, Mike

It may be cold but these Colts Cheerleaders are HOT

Nugent, and College Gameday commentator Kirk Herbstreit!” she gushes.

Allie’s got the perfect Colts-centric answer for everything, truly selling me on the organization from top to bottom. Another popular question I ask NFL Cheerleaders is to describe their favorite music to dance to. Past answers have included Rihanna, salsa, hip-hop, but not Allie. Her favorite music to dance to? “Definitely ANY song played immediately after a Colts touchdown!”

“There’s no doubt we rank #1 in dedication and commitment to our fan base. The serving opportunities I’ve experienced as a Colts Cheerleader continue to be life-changing. It’s critical that we support our community not only from a fan standpoint, but helping anywhere there might be a need,” the blonde bombshell says.

Let me leave you with Allie’s favorite quote. It’s a Vince Lombardi quote and really applies to every aspect of life and probably every NFL team out there: “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” Allie says these wise words have helped her all the way back in her high school days, and look where she is now.

Follow my favorite Colts Cheerleader on Twitter: @Alliej_CC

To read this original article on CBS Man Cave Daily, click here.

November 7, 2013/by Jayme

NFL Cheer: Ben-Gals

Cheerleading

Bengals Cheerleader, Selina

First up: Selina

Originally from the great state of Texas, smarty-pants Selina moved to Cincinnati in 2009 after college graduation, thanks in part to a killer job offer at P&G. This second year Ben-Gal graduated college with two degrees, one in biomedical science/engineering and the other in general studies. But that’s not all. She also graduated with four minors (chemistry, physics, English and Spanish). At the age of 19.

So again, to debunk that silly NFL Cheerleader myth that keeps floating around the Internet that they aren’t educated or don’t have “real” jobs, I’d venture to say Selina’s job is more real than yours and mine…put together. But don’t let those degrees scare you away. If you happen to get ahold of her iPod, you’ll surely find every Disney song imaginable, as Selina admits she “grew up with a Disney Princess complex,” and happily discloses that information to anyone who asks.

Taking almost three years to muster up the spirit fingers to try out for the Ben-Gals, Selina, now in her second season, made the team on her first try. Since then, Selina has become one of the favorites on the sidelines, gets intensely involved in community events around Cincinnati, and has debuted her smokin’ hot bod on the cover of this year’s swimsuit calendar.

Selina is not only proud of her unique squad (the Ben-Gals have the oldest cheerleader in the NFL, to which Selina says, “She’s 45 and killing it!”), but she’s incredibly passionate about the fans and energy inside Paul Brown Stadium. She describes Bengal fans in three easy words: Die hard loyalty. “They also love props,” Selina laughs. “I’ve seen people show up in a full Bengal tiger mascot costume in 90-degree weather and body paint in the dead of winter. If you’ve never heard 65,000 fans mock up the guitar solo that kicks off Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle,” you haven’t lived,” she says.

Although she’s a big fan of that particular hard rock song, her favorite music to dance to is Latin, ranging from salsa, merengue and bachata.

“Sundays at Paul Brown Stadium are a production – from our Sound Engineer rocking the fans to Who Dey (the team mascot) hamming it up on the Jumbotron. Our players also know how to give the fans what they want – the occasional touchdown flip and pick six that culminates into a dramatic crowd dive are just a few examples. The Bengals family is worth experiencing first hand,” she brags.

Like most of the NFL Cheerleaders I’ve met this year, Selina admits she still gets nervous before performances. “The five minutes before are the most stressful because somehow I manage to convince myself I’ve forgotten the choreography. Once the music is on, muscle memory and ‘cheerleader brain’ take over,” she explains.

My favorite thing about the 5’3″ brunette (although she says she’s 5’6 because she’s always in heels) is her over-sized, larger-than-life, HUGE…heart.

Selina’s younger brother is autistic, so she has a huge passion for autism and has set a goal for herself to one day start a non-profit to help adults with autism live independent, purpose-driven lives. A calendar girl with a high-kicking passion for football and a heart of gold – is there more to life than this woman?

All Bengals fans love Selina

And since she’s single, I should probably tell all you Cincinnati boys Selina’s favorite date spot: Fountain Square in Downtown Cincy. “It is surrounded by a few of my favorite eateries – Via Vite, a fantastic Italian Restaurant and Graeter’s Ice Cream, which 1) Is the official ice cream of Cincinnati and 2) Makes Oprah’s favorite flavored ice cream. It’s also great people watching,” she says.

In her spare time, which there isn’t much of once you add the hours of a full-time job on top of being an NFL Cheerleader, Selina finds herself wanting to do laundry, watching TV or taking a lot of naps. You know, the normal stuff we do everyday.

Follow Selina on Twitter at @sssamano.

Win or lose, at least Cincinnati has inspiring women like Ben-Gals Selina (pictured) and Emily.

A rookie Ben-Gal, Emily found the time to chat with me after her first day back at work after months and months of studying for and taking the bar exam. Currently a Law Clerk, Emily is waiting for many big things in her life: mostly to find out the results of the bar exam and to see just how far the Bengals will go this year. Oh, and her upcoming wedding.

Not afraid to put in hard work and dedication, this is Emily’s first season on the Ben-Gals roster, after trying out three years in a row. For two years she made it as far in the tryout process as possible, without actually making the team, but this year was a different story.

“My now-fiancé has always had Bengals season tickets, so when we started dating, I started going to games with him. I knew absolutely nothing about football, but after a while I decided I wanted to know what everyone was screaming about, so he taught me and I became a Bengals fan,” Emily says. “Then one day I noticed the cheerleaders were doing a lot of DANCING, and not cheerleader stunts or pyramids or whatever they’re called,” she laughs.

Emily admits the weirdest thing as a rookie is signing autographs, but it’s part of the job. As this column indicates, there are fans of these gals, not just the hard-hitting players, all over the country.

Like Selina, Emily gets nervous before performing. The Syracuse native is fun loving and loves to laugh at herself, telling me one of her most random facts is that she graduated from college in three years “accidentally,” and is a self-proclaimed nerd.

“I graduated from Miami University (OH), and spent those years competing with the mock trial team. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we put on a mock trial, acting as attorneys and witnesses, using witness statements, depositions, exhibits, etc. and compete against other teams from across the country. I qualified for nationals every year in undergrad, competed at the national level twice (finishing both times in the Top 10) and received individual attorney awards throughout the years,” she says.

“I’ve been so nerdy for such a long time, it’s good to have an excuse to dress up and be sexy with a group of girls,” Emily gushes. “I gave up dance in college to compete with the mock trial team and continued to be involved in law school. It’s awesome to curl my hair and put makeup on!” (Emily has been involved in dance since the age of 2, as a studio dancer with concentrations in ballet and contemporary dance.)

Emily’s nerd-factor spikes once again when she admits to having the Law & Order theme song on her iPod. “I’m not really embarrassed about it. I’m okay with how nerdy I can be, but people usually laugh when they listen to it,” she admits. To give her playlists a little more street cred, she admits it’s pretty much dominated by Nicki Minaj with some Rhianna and random

Emily definitely has a bikini body

college songs thrown in for good measure.

Emily’s guiltiest pleasure? Dance Moms. “I cannot wait to be a dance mom…in a few years!” she says. For now, we’ll have to settle for watching her alongside Selina and a sea of other beautiful dancing Ben-Gals over at Paul Brown Stadium.

Follow Emily on Twitter: @BenGal_Esq

This article originally ran on The Blonde Side’s sports column on CBS Man Cave Daily. Click here to see the original piece.

October 16, 2013/by Jayme

Meet Moe (Again)

Cheerleading

Photo Credit: Bob Levy

The life of an NFL Cheerleader: experienced by few, and understood by even fewer.

It’s more than a few hair flips and high leg kicks. It’s actually quite a bit more, including appearances at area hospitals, supporting charity events for the players and their wives, and active outreach programs to the military. It’s putting up with some crazed fans, staying in shape in order to avoid as much criticism as possible in those skimpy outfits we all wished we could dare wear, and learning to love and form a sisterhood with 30 other women. All while holding down a full-time job or being a full-time student.

I had the great pleasure of chatting with Morgan, who goes by Moe to most, a fourth year veteran of the Houston Texans Cheerleading Squad (HTC). This firecracker originally from Austin, TX has been awarded most-spirited (2012), rookie of the year (2011), and the Texans Care award (2013) through the organization, as well as being voted to go to the Pro-Bowl in 2012 by her cheer peers.

Moe graduated Cum Laude from Texas State University with a degree in Business Management, and currently works as a Business Development Representative in healthcare in addition to her association with the Texans. To say she’s a smart cookie would be an understatement. With her background and passion in sports, music, fitness, and entertainment, Moe considers it one of the highest honors to be an NFL Cheerleader, particularly for the Texans organization, which requires such a strong work ethic from top to bottom.

Moe is probably the first person I’ve ever met that actually likes doing ab exercises. She once entered a plank-off contest at her local gym where she snagged the winning time holding it for a whopping 12:01. I guess there is something to be said for core workouts after all. Here’s a look at our interview:

[Jayme] What are 3 words you think others would use to describe you?

[Moe] Determined, Happy, Friend

[Jayme] If we were playing your iPod/iPhone at a party on shuffle, what song would come on that would totally embarrass you?

[Moe] Is that You Mo-Dean by the B-52’s

[Jayme] Everything’s bigger in Texas – how does this apply to HTC?

Photo Credit: Bob Levy

[Moe] Our tryouts are always huge! Coach Alto calls it the biggest party of the year. We just had tryouts a few months ago and 1,100 showed up looking to claim their spot as an HTC. The competition is fierce and most definitely one of the most stressful times of the year. We have the biggest NFL cheerleader tryouts in the entire league!

[Jayme] What’s the biggest misconception about being an NFL Cheerleader and what’s your response to dispel this myth?

[Moe] I think the biggest myth is that cheerleaders aren’t smart. Each and every one of us either has a full-time or part-time job or is a full-time student. We work our butts off all day in the work place and then head to practice to prepare ourselves for our routines. I currently work as a Business Development Representative for UT Physicians Orthopaedic Department representing 45 Doctors. There is another girl who is a CPA, and we have full-time students acing their classes.

[Jayme] How do you motivate yourself to workout on a lazy day?

[Moe] It has become part of my routine. I know that when I get out of work I go to the gym. Sometimes I might not workout as hard as other days, but I am in there pushing myself. Wearing the Texans uniform is definitely a motivator too! You want to look your best, you never know who is taking a photo or where they are when they are taking the photo, so you want to be in the best shape you can.

[Jayme] Speaking of that, as a cheerleader, your bodies are always being looked at and sometimes criticized. One day you’re too big, the next too small. How do you deal with that?

[Moe] It’s definitely hard and you are always told not to go read the comments, but it’s something I have a hard time avoiding. You have to take it all with a grain of salt and know that you have worked your butt off day in and day out to get where you are. We are in the public eye, so you are going to have people who are going to criticize us and praise us for one reason or the other. I remind myself that I am in an incredible position that I have dreamed about for years. I have worked incredibly hard to get where I am and I can’t let the negative comments hold me back from what I’m capable of accomplishing.

Photo Credit: Bob Levy

[Jayme] In a few sentences, what do your workouts look like in a week?

[Moe] As a team, this year we are going to start working out before practice for 30 minutes, but in the past we do the dances over and over and over again, so your stamina has to be on point. Outside of practice I do sprint intervals four days a week and one day of at least 45 minutes of straight cardio. I usually try and run at one of our parks around Houston for the cardio. Every 6 weeks I change my weight training, but I do 2 upper body workouts, slow and controlled 4 sets with 12 reps (heavy weight) and 2 lower body workouts.

[Jayme] As an HTC, your job is to cheer others on, but as strong women, even we need our own cheerleaders. Who is your biggest cheerleader?

[Moe] My parents are definitely my biggest motivators. They are my shoulder to cry on and the ones to push me to work harder and harder. They put strength in me to give me the ambition to get where I am today. They drive down for as many games as they can (they live in Austin) to cheer me on and show their unending support.

[Jayme] Each person has his or her balance of a good diet and exercise – some are split evenly 50/50 – what are you?

[Moe] I try to be as 50/50 as possible, but I definitely have my cheat meals, so I lean more towards exercise. If I miss a workout, I feel horrible. And I have a sweet tooth like no other. It’s hard for me to pass up on a Dairy Queen Blizzard!

So next time you hear someone criticize a cheerleader’s body or downplaying their huge roles as cheerleaders, remember Moe. Even the gals with the biggest smiles in town need encouragement too. We all do, it’s part of being women.

Follow Moe and cheer her on this season. She’s also a great source for fitness and diet questions. @HTC_Morgan or on Facebook.

To see the original blog on the Women’s Health Action Hero blog, click here.

To read The Blonde Side | Jayme Lamm’s profile on the Women’s Health Action Hero blog, click here.

July 15, 2013/by Jayme

Meet Moe

Cheerleading

God Blessed Texas with HTC Morgan (photo courtesy Bob Levy)

There’s this crazy misconception about NFL Cheerleaders – that they’re stupid, only in it to date players, don’t have “real” jobs, don’t know jack about the actual sport they’re cheering for… the list goes on and on. But it’s a pretty ignorant list if you’ve met 99% of these gals that suit up on NFL Sunday (which now also includes Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) to dance and cheer and hair flip for everyone’s enjoyment.

Meet Morgan, or Moe as everyone calls her, of the Houston Texans Cheerleading (HTC) Squad. Taking her spot in the red, white and blue glorious lineup for her fourth straight year, Moe is no rookie when it comes to dancing in front of 70,000 screaming fans inside Reliant or to the sport she’s loved since she was a child. (That’s Battle Red, Liberty White, and Deep Steel Blue to be exact for you Texans fans.)

Originally from Austin, TX, Moe has led quite the exciting lifestyle, becoming a backup dancer for big country stars like Big and Rich and Trace Adkins. Moe happily calls Houston home now and spends her days as a Business Development Representative for a prominent Orthopedic Group in the Texas Medical Center while her nights and weekends are spent proudly representing the Houston Texans.

The HTC is known around the league as the squad with a more hip-hop approach than most of the others, thanks to Coach Alto, and Moe fits that mold perfectly. “I like the style that Coach Alto puts in. We’re a little more hip-hop, and that’s my strong suit. Obviously I backup danced for country stars so the little bit of hillbilly we add to it fits me just fine too,” Moe jokes.

We all know the simple truth that everything is bigger in Texas, and cheering is certainly no different. “Dancing in front of 70,000 people, you have to be huge,” Moe explains. “Your personality has to show – every facial expression counts. I have to exaggerate all my moves – my smiles, my walks, everything. People can spot me out from a ton of rows up. They aren’t dancers critiquing you, they want to see you’re enjoying the game.”

HTC Moe doing her thang at Reliant (photo courtesy Bob Levy)

But being an NFL cheerleader isn’t all glitter and pillow fights. “We work hard. We do a minimum of 40 appearances a year, and you have to maintain a full-time job or be a full-time student. We have practices 3 days a week, but you have to practice before practice. Practice isn’t for learning; you’re supposed to already know it. We learn four new dances for every game plus 12 sidelines plus 10 fillers. Then there are the workouts…” as she trails off. Clearly it’s exhausting just talking about all the hard work that goes into this passion of hers.

Moe was voted Rookie of the Year in 2011, Most Spirited in 2012 and voted the cheerleader to represent her team at the Pro Bowl in 2012. The internet has also dubbed the blonde bombshell as one of the most photographed cheerleaders in the league. And it’s easy to understand why Moe flashes her pearly whites so often. The girl is happy with her life all around and thankful for where she is. She doesn’t take a single day for granted, especially her numbered days in that coveted HTC uniform. “You only get to put your Superman suit on for so long – that’s what my cheerleading outfit is, and then I go back to being a normal person. Football players are somebody years down the road, but cheerleaders, we come and go. Maybe that’s why we’re always smiling,” she says.

Enough with words! Sometimes pictures are all you really need, especially with cheerleaders, so here’s a gallery of the lovely Moe.

You can follow Morgan on Twitter and LIKE her page on FB.

And be sure to follow @TexansCheer on Twitter – this group of social media hotties has more followers than 13 NFL teams, 19 MLB (including their hometown Houston Astros), 19 NHL, 19 NBA and 20 MLS teams. Clearly these gals are doing many things right. (Stat via Matt from the Everything NFL Cheerleaders account on Twitter @NFLCheerRT.)

To read this original article on The Blonde Side’s column on CBS Man Cave Daily, click here.

May 21, 2013/by Jayme

The NFL's Most Beautiful Cheerleader - Lauren (photo courtesy of The Fast Show Life)

HTC: Record Setters

Cheerleading

The NFL’s Most Beautiful Cheerleader – Lauren (photo via The Fast Show Life)

Record setters: 10 Houston Texans cheerleaders make list of 100 Most Beautiful NFL Cheerleaders

Just a few weeks ago the Houston Texans scored another franchise first by having eight players named to the 2013 Pro Bowl set to take place in Hawaii on January 27th. But it’s not just the guys who are setting records this season. What about those beautiful Houston Texans Cheerleaders who strut around Reliant pumping up 70,000-plus fans each home game?

In a recent web feature, the Fast Life Show named the 100 most beautiful NFL cheerleaders — and topping the list? The Texans cheerleaders, of course, with a record setting number of 10 girls in the top 36!

The #babesonparade didn’t just have eight girls hit the list, they had 10 thanks to their two sets of gorgeous twins, and they claimed the #1 spot in all the NFL.

Impressed yet?

“With our program we try to be the best and to see someone else recognize us without solicitation from us, that’s huge – that’s approval and acceptance of our program. It makes me happy to see that others see our hard work,” says Alto Gary, who has remained the only cheerleader coach in the 10-year history of the team.

“Yes, we want the best dancers, but you need to look a certain part too. Being from Texas, you have to represent. Texas has this stereotype of having hot women, so we wanted to show that with our team.”

Hard work and dedication

But it isn’t just fans and websites like The Fast Life that have taken notice of the HTC.

Pro Bowler and fifth-year Texan veteran Duane Brown also sees the important role these women play and appreciates their hard work and dedication.

“I think hands down we have the best cheerleaders in the NFL and possibly in sports. They are absolutely gorgeous and great people as well. During events where I’ve had the chance to interact with them, they were very kind and all had great personalities,” Brown says.

“They work very well with kids and fans of all ages. On Sundays, they are filled with great energy and help get the crowd at Reliant rocking which helps us players perform well. I’m very proud of them, this recognition is well deserved.”

The HTC’s who topped this list (and their response to being selected):

#36 Liliana @HTC_Liliana

“Seeing myself in the top 100 was definitely unexpected. It’s exciting to see the amount of exposure HTC has received recently, and I’m just very fortunate to have been one of the eight to represent our organization.”

HTC Cheerleader, Kelli (photo via The Fast Show Life)

#29 Sarah @HTC_Sarah

“I was completely surprised to have made the list! It’s such an honor to be named among these beautiful women.”

#24 Kelli @HTC_Kelli

“I was astonished and honored to be included in the elite, professional Top 100 most beautiful! I felt blessed beyond belief as I know how hard each NFL Cheerleader works on physique & beauty. We strive for perfection with our God given beauty & to be recognized for such is truly an honor!”

#20 Danielle @HTC_Danielle

“When I first got word that I made Fastlife Top 100 from my fellow teammate #36 Liliana, I could NOT believe it. I said are you sure its me?! It’s such a blessing to be apart of a great organization and to be in the top 100 most beautiful girls in the NFL along with my other teammates. There are no words for it. I’m so proud of my teammates who made the list as well. And all of us being in the TOP 40, that is unbelievable! #GO TEXANS #babesonparade”

#15 Michelle and Rachel @HTC_MichRach

“We were very flattered when we learned that we are a part of this list. The list is posted in descending order, so we were kind of caught in a moment of suspense as we were scrolling through the list wondering ‘what number are we!!’.”

#13 Kayla @HTC_Kayla

“It was an honor to be selected in the top 100! I was shocked to be number 13 out of so many beautiful girls! We have a beautiful team this year and it was neat to see a lot of our team on the list!”

Dresdynn and Schuyler (photo via The Fast Life Show)

#7 Dresdynn and Schuyler @HTC_DresSchuy

“We were so flattered and thrilled to be #7. When we found out we were so happy!”

And drumroll please...

The #1 spot goes to the rookie Lauren L.

“When finding out I made the #1 Most Beautiful Cheerleader in the NFL I was just astonished. I feel absolutely blessed and thankful!” says Lauren of her top spot.

“Having a rookie voted at #1 – that was exciting. I call her my beach bunny girl. She’s a sweet person, and definitely has the inner personality that is representative of the Texans,” Alto says.

Credit to the coach

While much of the credit goes to these beautiful women who made the NFL’s Most Beautiful list, a large part should go to Gary as well. She had her job cut out for her starting back in April of last year while selecting the squad of 32 out of nearly 1,000 girls.

“It starts at tryouts, when a rookie comes on, seeing if she has good bone structure, etc. I have to keep the Texans organization in consideration when choosing the girls as they’re a classy classic look,” Gary explains.

As for keeping up appearances, the girls are given a little help in that department. “We do give an allotment of $150 per month/per girl that they can use at salons for hair and product. We do require them to have their nails done because they are so close to the fans. People always ask if I have a weight requirement, but I always ask ‘do you look good in your uniform?’ and that’s all I care about,” says Gary.

“People always ask if I have a weight requirement, but I always ask ‘do you look good in your uniform?’ and that’s all I care about,” says head cheerleaders coach Alto Gary.

One thing she is a stickler about? Having the girls don a bright red lipstick for game day. “Red is our team color and the girls always fight me on that,” she laughs.

But the list of accolades doesn’t just stop there for the Texan Cheer bombshells. CNBC just named HTC one of the 10 best 2013 squad’s in the NFL(coming in at #6).

HTC Twins Michelle and Rachel (photo via The Fast Show Life)

The success of this team goes far beyond impressive dance moves and the ability to rock such a small and revealing uniform. The ladies know how to interact with their fans, especially when it comes to social media.

Engaging social media

According to @NFLCheerRT on Twitter, a hub for for everything cheerleaders, @TexansCheer is full of “genius marketing” and now has more Twitter followers (currently at 74,232) than two NFL teams (Arizona Cardinals and Jacksonville Jaquars), five MLB teams (Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, Houston Astros and Colorado Rockies), and five NHL teams (Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Phoenix Coyotes, Florida Panthers and New York Islanders).

Knowing how to engage their fans on the field and on social media is something the HTC are doing better than any of the other NFL Cheerleaders out there as well, including the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, @dccheerleaders, by tens of thousands. (DC Cheerleaders currently have 47,851 followers).

To put their popularity in perspective, the Texans Cheer account has two times as many followers as Redskins phenom rookie RB Alfred Morris. Even a national sports show took the time to mention the Tweeting Texans Cheerleaders, while semi-bashing the guys on the field.

Congratulations to these beautiful women on their superior recognition and to the entire Houston Texans organization for an already record setting season. Here’s to a big-time W against Andy Dalton and those Bengals on Saturday, and hopefully advancing further into the playoffs on their road to New Orleans on February 3.

[@TexansCheer stats and comparisons courtesy of @NFLCheerRT]

This article was featured on Culture Map, Houston’s Daily Digital Magazine in the sport’s section.

January 7, 2013/by Jayme