On Sept. 26, the Dallas Cowboys won Thursday night football against the New York Giants by 5 points. Dak Prescott, the Cowboys starting quarterback has beaten the Giants 13 times consecutively, so this victory might come as expected. However, it fails to matter if the Cowboys stray from a winning streak; their stadium sidelines will never be bare. Lined with blue and white pom poms, the Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders stick out like a marketing campaign, but their polished appearance comes at a high price. 

Released on June 20 2024, the Netflix reality TV series, America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, delves into the pressure and competition faced by cheerleaders, some of whom are full-time workers in nursing or marketing or students still in college. These women, who are enthusiastic inspirations in their white boots, shorts, and royal blue tops etched with stars, put on a show — some may say steal the show — alongside the Dallas Cowboys football team. With the NFL season underway, revisiting the seven episodes of  America’s Sweethearts will remind viewers of the stories of these strong women on the sidelines. 

An everlasting theme of competition and endurance runs through the show. The series opens with the 2023 auditions and selection process, in which more than a hundred applicants apply online, knowing only a select few will receive notice to show up for the in-person audition. Given the exclusivity, it’s hard to imagine these candidates are only applying for the “rookie” position. “The stats are really staggering regarding the odds of making the team,” claimed Kelli Finglass, the head director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.  

There is no retention privilege for members selected in previous years as all cheerleader veterans must also audition for the team each season. Instead of relief, the veterans must demonstrate their qualifications for the current year to prove themselves.

What this series candidly shows is the pain behind the beauty. It’s not just about tirelessly smiling and fitting into the skin-tight uniforms; being an “American Sweetheart” requires significant changes to a cheerleader’s appearance, no matter the price . Throughout the series, there are many comments such as “your makeup is not well done,” or “try your hair blonde” — episode three begins with a glow-up day in the Tangerine Salon in Coppell, Texas. 

While these remarks may seem harsh, they are also part of a process aimed at refining these women to be a selling point for the fans. “Look is important to the overall appeal,” Finglass said, emphasized by “Rookie” candidate Kelly Villares, who dyed her hair dark brown from her natural blonde. “I haven’t had dark (hair) since about eighth grade…I trust what they have in mind. Anything to give me that Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader look.”

The process evolved from online applications to solo auditions, training months to tryouts, camera tests to fittings, and many other steps leading to the final nomination. If something doesn’t meet coach Kelli Finglass’ and choreographer Judy Trammell’s expectations, the cut-off is unforgiving. There are no reruns or second chances in this industry. 

Anisha Kay, an orthodontist and the last remaining candidate until the second-to-last filtering process in episode three, resonated with the desire for one final chance. Juggling a professional career and trying to make her dream job a reality, Kay went as far to practice routines in between patients. “I’m obviously getting older. I’m probably not gonna have this opportunity in a few years,” Kay said of her commitment to the training camp process.

Anyone who watches this series as a football fan will be drawn in by the unseen burdens that hide behind enjoyment and popularity. You might be touched by the stories of these women and unexpectedly find some sympathy as you watch the intensity of their choreography and duties, and the sacrifices they make to secure their positions. When the Dallas Cowboys play next on Oct. 6, you might take your eyes off the ball and recognize that the strength of this NFL team doesn’t all come from boys in jerseys and helmets.