Behind the glittering smiles and high-energy routines of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders lies a gruelling schedule that intensifies dramatically during the holiday season, according to a squad member's revealing account.
The Thanksgiving Tradition and Beyond
Marissa Phillips, a veteran cheerleader for the team, has pulled back the curtain on the squad's demanding run-up to Christmas, confirming that their preparations start long before the festive matchups and continue relentlessly. The NFL is a staple of American Thanksgiving, and the Cowboys have played on the holiday every year since 1966. This tradition continued this year with Dallas defeating the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, a game for which both players and cheerleaders postponed their own Thanksgiving dinners.
Phillips, who is also a qualified accountant, explained that this is just the beginning of their busiest period. 'We've been so busy, and now we're about to get into our really, really busy season,' the 25-year-old told People.
A Whirlwind of Costumes and Shows
The cheerleading squad hosts special 30-minute shows at the Dallas Cowboys' headquarters, The Star, which become a festive destination for families. Phillips described the scene as 'really sweet,' noting, 'a lot of people will bring their kids and their families and get all dressed up and get hot cocoa.'
Despite each show being short, the squad ensures a spectacular experience for fans. This includes festive lighting, three costume changes, and iconic routines like 'Thunderstruck'. Juggling these performances with game days requires immense preparation. 'If we have a game on Sunday or a game on Thursday for Thanksgiving, that can be really busy. We just have to be really prepared and make sure we know all of our parts,' Phillips added.
The Personal Sacrifices of a Professional Cheerleader
The physical and personal toll is significant. Phillips described the shows as 'very, very tiring,' requiring a great deal of 'compartmentalization.' She relies on muscle memory and mental focus to power through, noting, 'you just get into your muscle memory and turn your brain on a little bit and it's really fun.'
To maintain peak performance, the dancers must meticulously manage their meal prep and rest during this jam-packed period. The schedule is so intense that cheerleaders often don't know when their next guaranteed day off will be, forcing them to decline plans with family and friends. Phillips revealed that scheduling any personal appointments throughout November and December becomes practically impossible, highlighting the immense dedication required behind the scenes of the professional cheerleading glamour.
