Ann-Marie Muscarello, a third-year member of the Denver Broncos cheerleading squad, has brought attention to the demanding lives of NFL cheerleaders by sharing the contrast between her weekend responsibilities on the field and her weekday work as a registered nurse. Her social media post, captioned "Sunday mornings vs. Monday mornings look a little different," highlighted this dual commitment, prompting fans to question the current pay structure for cheerleaders.
Muscarello's teammates also hold diverse full-time professions, including roles such as a speech and language pathologist, kindergarten teacher, and commercial real estate broker. This illustrates a common reality for cheerleaders across the league who balance their athletic and performance duties with established careers.
Broncos cheerleaders, like many across the NFL, are considered part-time employees. While wages are described as competitive, the broader issue of low pay for NFL cheerleaders has been a recurring topic. Reports from sources like the Associated Press in 2015 indicated that cheer squad members earned less than fast food workers. A notable instance occurred in 2014 when a New York Jets cheerleader filed a lawsuit alleging an hourly rate of $3.77.
Compensation for cheerleaders typically involves an hourly rate combined with a flat fee for game days, which is estimated to be around $150 per game. Additional appearances may bring in approximately $50 to $75 each. These earnings can accumulate to an estimated $22,500 annually. For comparison, the average annual salary for a registered nurse in the United States is approximately $97,550.
The Netflix documentary series 'America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' also recently shed light on the financial realities faced by cheerleaders. Following the show's popularity, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading squad negotiated a significant pay increase. Megan McElaney, a four-year veteran, announced that the team secured a "life-changing" raise, reportedly a 400% increase, demonstrating that heightened visibility can lead to improved compensation. However, for many across the league, the commitment to cheerleading still requires balancing professional careers with the demands of being a sideline performer.