They weren't always the "International Sweethearts." Honestly, if you look back at the very beginning of the Dallas Cowboys, the sidelines looked a lot different than the sequined blue-and-silver spectacle we know now. In the early sixties, the squad was actually a co-ed high school group called the Beallades. It wasn't until Tex Schramm, the Cowboys' legendary general manager, realized that "entertainment" was just as important as the scoreboard that the modern era of the old Dallas Cowboy cheerleader really took flight. He wanted more than just pom-poms; he wanted a show.
By 1972, the transition was complete. The high schoolers were out. Professional dancers were in. The skirts got shorter, the boots got taller, and a global phenomenon was born.
But what happens when the cheering stops? For many women who wore that iconic uniform decades ago, being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (DCC) wasn't just a seasonal gig—it was a life-altering pivot point. You’ve probably seen the reality shows or the Netflix documentaries recently, but the raw history of the women from the 70s and 80s tells a much more complex story about labor, fame, and the sheer grit required to maintain that "perfect" image.
The 1970s: When the Uniform Became an Icon
The 1970s were the "Golden Era" for the DCC. This was the decade of Suzanne Mitchell, the formidable director who basically invented the modern branding of the squad. She was protective, strict, and incredibly savvy. Under her watch, the old Dallas Cowboy cheerleader became a household name, appearing on The Love Boat and even starring in their own made-for-TV movie in 1979, which, surprisingly, outpaced almost everything else in the ratings that year.
It's kinda wild to think about the pay back then. Or the lack thereof.
For a long time, these women were paid about $15 to $20 per game. That’s it. No travel pay. No hair and makeup allowance. They did it for the "prestige" and the "exposure." While the organization was raking in millions from their likenesses on posters and calendars, the dancers themselves were often working full-time jobs as secretaries, teachers, or nurses during the week. They would finish a nine-to-five and then head to Texas Stadium for grueling four-hour rehearsals.
The Famous Poster that Changed Everything
You can’t talk about the history of the DCC without mentioning the 1977 poster. You know the one—the group shot where they're all leaning in, the Texas sun hitting the fringe. It sold millions of copies. It outsold Farrah Fawcett’s iconic red swimsuit poster for a time. This wasn't just sports memorabilia; it was a shift in American pop culture. It solidified the "Texas Girl Next Door" aesthetic that every old Dallas Cowboy cheerleader had to embody: wholesome but athletic, approachable but elite.
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The Physical Toll and the "Weight" of the Vest
Being a cheerleader in the 70s and 80s wasn't just about high kicks and smiles. It was an athletic marathon. Many former cheerleaders from that era have spoken out—some with fondness, others with a bit more hesitation—about the strict physical requirements.
There was the "weight scale."
If a cheerleader was more than a few pounds over her "ideal" weight, she could be benched. We're talking about women who were already in peak physical condition. The pressure was immense. This wasn't just about looking good in the uniform; it was about maintaining a specific, standardized image that the Cowboys organization sold to the world. Looking back, it’s a polarizing topic. Some alumni say it taught them discipline that served them for decades in their careers. Others point to it as an example of the unrealistic expectations placed on women in the public eye.
Iconic Names You Should Know
- Phyllis George: While not a DCC herself, she was the Miss America winner who paved the way for women in sports broadcasting, often intersecting with the DCC world.
- Debbie Ames: One of the most recognizable faces from the late 70s who helped define the "look" of the era.
- Toni Washington: A standout performer who represented the increasing diversity of the squad during a time when the NFL was still catching up to the rest of the world.
Life After the Sidelines: Where are they now?
What does an old Dallas Cowboy cheerleader do after she hangs up the poms? The answer is: basically everything. The DCC alumni network is one of the most powerful "sororities" in the world.
Some went into Hollywood. You’ve got people like Sarah Shahi, who transitioned from the sidelines to starring in shows like The L Word and Person of Interest. Others stayed in the fitness world, like Denise Austin, who became a fitness mogul after her time in Dallas. But the vast majority went into "normal" high-level careers. We’re talking about CEOs, surgeons, and high-ranking military officers.
The common thread? The ability to perform under pressure.
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When you’ve performed a synchronized routine in front of 80,000 screaming fans while being broadcast to millions, a corporate boardroom doesn't seem that scary. Honestly, the discipline required to make the squad—which often sees hundreds of women competing for a handful of spots—is a trial by fire.
The Evolution of the Uniform and the Brand
If you look at a photo of an old Dallas Cowboy cheerleader from 1972 and compare it to one today, the uniform is remarkably similar. That’s intentional. The blue stars, the white fringe, the specific shade of "Cowboys Blue"—it’s protected like a crown jewel.
However, the "boots" have a story of their own.
Originally, the squad wore go-go boots. They were stylish but terrible for dancing. Eventually, they moved to the custom-made Lucchese western boots that have become a hallmark of the DCC. These boots are expensive, hand-fitted, and designed to handle the impact of those signature "toe touches" and "kick lines." For an alum, those boots are the ultimate symbol of having "made it."
Addressing the Controversy: Labor and Compensation
It would be a disservice to the history of these women to ignore the legal battles that have cropped up over the years. In recent times, the conversation around the old Dallas Cowboy cheerleader legacy has shifted toward fair pay.
Several former cheerleaders have filed lawsuits against various NFL teams—not just the Cowboys—arguing that they were paid less than minimum wage when you factored in all the mandatory "unpaid" appearances and practice hours. The Cowboys have generally stayed out of the messiest headlines compared to other teams, but the "DCC" brand has definitely had to evolve.
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Nowadays, the pay is better, and the "professionalism" of the role is more formally recognized, but the pioneers of the 70s and 80s were essentially working for the love of the game and the prestige of the star.
Why We Are Still Obsessed
Why does a 50-year-old cheerleading squad still dominate the cultural zeitgeist?
It’s because the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders represent a specific brand of American Exceptionalism. They are the "Gold Standard." Whether you agree with the "cheerleader" concept or not, you can't deny the level of excellence they demand.
For the old Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, the legacy isn't just about a few years on the field. It’s about a sisterhood. They have a massive alumni association that does significant charity work across Texas. They show up for each other. When a former cheerleader is sick or struggling, the "sisters" are the first ones there. That’s the part the cameras usually miss.
Surprising Facts About the Early Years
- The "No Fraternization" Rule: It was (and largely still is) strictly forbidden for cheerleaders to date the players. Back in the day, if you were caught even talking to a player in the tunnel, you could be cut on the spot.
- The "Secret" Auditions: In the early years, auditions weren't the televised spectacle they are now. They were held in private, often with very little fanfare, as Suzanne Mitchell hand-picked women who fit the "DCC Mold."
- The USO Tours: The DCC were the first cheerleading squad to tour with the USO. They’ve been to war zones and remote bases all over the world, a tradition that started in the late 70s and continues today. This gave the old Dallas Cowboy cheerleader a status closer to a "diplomat" than a dancer.
How to Research the Legacy Yourself
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the history of these women, there are a few places that offer real, non-fluff information.
- The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Alumni Association: Their official channels often share "where are they now" stories that give a real look at life after the game.
- Local Texas Archives: For the real nitty-gritty of the 60s and 70s, the Dallas Public Library has incredible archives of local news coverage from the Schramm era.
- The "DCC: Making the Team" Archives: While more modern, the early seasons of this show (from the mid-2000s) still capture the old-school philosophy of the directors who were trained by the original 1970s staff.
The story of the old Dallas Cowboy cheerleader is ultimately a story of women carving out a space in a male-dominated sports world. They took a sideline job and turned it into a global empire. They were athletes, ambassadors, and, in many ways, the real face of "America's Team."
Actionable Insights for Fans and Researchers
- Trace the Lineage: If you’re interested in the evolution of dance in sports, compare the 1978 choreography (available on YouTube archives) to today’s. You’ll see a shift from simple "pompom" movements to high-level jazz and hip-hop technicality.
- Support the Alumni: Many former cheerleaders have started foundations or businesses. Look for the "DCC Alum" badge on Texas-based businesses to support the women who built the brand.
- Look Beyond the Uniform: When researching a specific old Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, look for their professional achievements post-cheerleading. It provides a much fuller picture of the caliber of women the organization recruited.
- Acknowledge the Context: Understand that the 1970s were a different time for women’s rights. The DCC were often at the center of debates regarding feminism and the "male gaze," yet many women of that era describe the experience as the most empowering time of their lives.
The legacy of the star is complicated, shiny, and deeply rooted in Texas history. Whether you're a die-hard Cowboys fan or just someone interested in pop culture history, the impact of these women on the American landscape is undeniable. They didn't just cheer for the team; they became the team.