Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders on 'vulnerable' tryout process

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Kelcey Wetterberg and Reece Weaver as well as DCC director Kelli Finglass join Hoda and Jenna to talk about their Netflix docuseries “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders” that gives a vulnerable look at their annual tryouts. Then, members of the squad show Hoda and Jenna how to perform a routine!
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[@DisneyFan-eg3oz]

David here and I watched all 7 episodes in one day and what I got from the show is this, The Corporation is taking advantage of these hard working ladies! They started tradition in the 1970’s of paying them $15.00 per game. This is not the 1970’s I know they pay more now but not a living wage! They have to get a second job just to get by, they expect perfection , please pay them for it, they can afford it. 😊

[@alegoricha]

Agree 💯

[@ElaineBennettEmbraceYou]

Agree 100%!!

[@HH-gv8mx]

The jet’s cheerleaders make much less! And they have to do events, calendar shoots, stay in shape, practice and look good all year round.

[@abbyxlewis]

They make 20 an hour and 500 a game.

[@HH-gv8mx]

@@abbyxlewis well they certainly didn’t make that a decade ago

[@jules.glish13]

I watched the show in a day, Reece instantly became my favorite. She was so sweet and always sounded so pure. Kelcey is just an amazing dancer.

[@nyc1087]

She seems very sweet but I had to start fast forwarding through her interviews. I felt like I was watching an 8 year old girl.

[@talie3578]

​@@nyc1087 I don't necessarily think her "pure girl" persona is a bad thing, I just hope she believes in herself as much as she believes in her faith. I think Victoria was a really good example of realizing how harmful the DCC mindset can be if you're not ready mentally for it. you can tell it took her a while to truly consider if it was worth it, and I hope Reece doesn't have to go through that as well.

[@9122mint]

Reece is definitely following in Kelsey’s footsteps, I see a great future leader coming soon

[@chantellesteyn2168]

For sure! Was sad to see Kelsey go

[@t.w.8174]

Reece seems sweet but her personality strikes me as a little performative-I doubt she’s actually that smiley and bubbly in reality.

[@chantellesteyn2168]

@@t.w.8174 if it seems to good to be true, it usually is.

[@talie3578]

​@@t.w.8174​ I agree. I kind of secretly hope they just told her to "act" more for the camera. keeping that hardcore positive mindset is HARD. imo I think Victoria went through the same thing, she always had a smile on her face even when she was breaking. :(

[@user-be4ei2fh4g]

She’s my favorite too! She’s a true sweetheart. ❤

[@cornishpasty4344]

Nice PR... the Netflix show really sheds a light on just how abusive the Dallas Cowboys system is. PAY THEM MORE.

[@andreamiller135]

I think of all the squads they could definitely afford to pay them more but at the same time - it’s not like the girls don’t know this is part time 🤷🏽‍♀️ They can always not cheer. I hear you but being a cheerleader isn’t a necessity and the girls know this.

[@abbywalker-fx1rj]

@@andreamiller135it’s more so of the fact that if u grow up a dancer there isn’t a lot of careers to go into when ur an adult so u will kind of settle for less to do what u love

[@Callm3M3l]

​@@andreamiller135 that is not the point. Its still a job and the big bossess , the players are paid big bucks while they are paid change . Ridiculous. Without the cheerleaders what would they do ? But unfortunately too many girls want the role they will always find new talents

[@andreamiller135]

@@abbywalker-fx1rj I get that. So here is my wonder - I wonder how many DCC cheerleaders have a desire to dance professionally beyond cheerleading. Many seem to have top notch professional training but I feel like many go on to do non-dance occupations.

[@andreamiller135]

@@Callm3M3l I get that but the last part of your comment is part of the reason higher pay isn’t happening. When supply is greater than demand - it doesn’t bid the price higher. The high supply is also not driven by pay - it’s driven by the girls wanting to be a part of something they deem as special. Couldn’t be me but my goals and desires are different. Now I do think they shouldn’t have to pay for procedures and surgeries related to the job. Because they tear their bodies up!

[@abbycat000]

Kelli is probably thinking, “they better answer everything right!”

[@amyljfaves]

Hoda and Jenna, normally spot on but this interview was a let down. Kelly says her standard is excellence, but the DCC pay and compensation sure does not match that. Call it out. These women deserve compensation! Pay them more!!

[@carriew5106]

Hasn't Kelsey retired? I thought they had to give back the uniform? But I love that she is there so not complaining.

[@azmomconnection]

Haha Good Point

[@user-od7nb8ey1c]

Love Kelly …. Excellent director and innovator. Love her level of diplomacy.

[@gabbiebobbs3543]

Reece is truly a lock in for captain! I’m so happy for her! Shes an amazing dancer and seems so kind!

[@Jace28142]

I bing watched this document series and I really enjoyed it. I gained a great appreciation for these young women and what they go through to become DCC. They are smart, kind, vulnerable and hard working.

[@JaylenPotts-zs2qw]

I love cheerleaders they are amazing.

[@claudiabarrios5758]

I just realized Kelce quit but is now doing press tours omg !

[@abbycat000]

She didn’t quit. She retired. A girl usually retires after 5 years.

[@anaquian1193]

Exactly! I was like wait a minute lol. She retired and now with this press tours it's like "nvm" back to those jump splits😭

[@abbycat000]

@@anaquian1193 Haha! I guess it’ll only be for a while longer? Idk.

[@sofiadelgado8104]

PAY YOUR CHEERLEADERS !!!! 😡😡😡

[@BIGBOYMATD]

They're the highest paid cheerleaders in the NFL. simp harder

[@chantellesteyn2168]

Kelsey will always be my favourite ❤

[@WarDamnEagle4]

I loved watching CMTs version of this when it was on. Excited to see it !

[@ginacomer5328]

So Kelsey retired but still dons the uniform? I love it

[@amandac.2687]

Probably just for the media tour to promote the show

[@jasmineb.nu.3]

Yes! Also they have allstars that still do appearances and pregame performances. Or fill in for injuries.

[@canadiansurfclub75]

How much does Kelli get paid. Does she have a volunteer position because it’s an honor to lead the cheerleaders?

[@alydarling]

I wondered that too, because when they showed her home it was nice but wasn’t super fancy by all means

[@MrSurfbum1]

I admire Victoria. She has a good heart.

[@CaitlynGreene-1]

Is anyone else’s audio not working?

[@definitely.not.jael.]

No mine is check your internet

[@wong2265]

no audio

[@jcraigshelton]

If Kelli Finglass took over as Manager of Football Operations, Dallas would win three more Super Bowls. She’s the only one there that knows how to manage people.

[@mswendylun]

Kelcey and Reece!!!

[@erictheisen3203]

Well it's a good one for those Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders!

[@janieho]

Am I the only one who has no volume for this on mobile

[@igorschmidlapp6987]

It's no Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader movie without Jane Seymour... ;-P

[@Jdub303]

So we have substantial bodily injuries in women who are in their 20's? And they make barely minimum wage. Who's paying for the hip replacements? Why is okay???

[@paulluna8099]

Audio is non existent, yes I checked the volume on my speakers and the control panel.

[@the_jesus_girl]

Anyone else’s audio messed up?

[@Hebrews123]

I’m not sure why they admire Kelly

[@abbycat000]

I mean, she has only built the organization. It’s nothing.

[@kaitlynbug13]

No audio

[@hedunlap]

Turn your volume up.

[@user-sq2ul9zv7v]

I just started watching this show about three months ago. I must say i already have my most favorite. And she has to be Janell. She is not only one of the very best cheerleaders i see here. shes also very beautiful inside and out

[@Itstonytime77]

I see they didn’t ask Victoria to come.

[@Isabeau8394]

There is no audio.. WTH?

[@isabellavalencia8026]

I hear it fine.

[@susancourtney10]

I can't hear anything either.

[@johnmccann1960]

Exploitation is rife in the NFL when it comes to Cheerleading. I think the Cowboys and Panthers Cheerleaders are the highest paid in the league around 27500 dollars a year. The average across the league is around 21500 dollars per year. Basically they are paid part time money for more than full time hours.......shameful.

[@lorrainebennett7528]

No sound!

[@LoveWinsMovement]

Kelly has taken so much Ozembic it is starting to age her.

[@nyc1087]

She’s also just getting older…which means she’s aging 😂 jeez. Women aren’t allowed to age these days. Lol

[@talie3578]

oh no, a person, of age, aging! whatever must we do...

[@nightreader1264]

Why pay them more when they have tons of girls willing to work for the low pay? As long as they show up- no reason to pay more.

[@bell.videography]

Americas sweethearts? No one has ever called them that.

[@laramorrison5973]

that is how they are introduced at every football game

[@artisticanna5275]

@@laramorrison5973 they have to say it because ain’t nobody else gonna do it 😂

[@makeupchick9544]

Kelcey isn't even on the team anymore. They way they didn't include Victoria in this interview is telling. Also, PAY THEM MORE KELLI

[@artisticanna5275]

I think they stopped including her for showing the negative impact that she was experiencing

[@hedunlap]

Victoria is a whacko.

[@nylotus]

If anything the docuseries showed how toxic their "sisterhood" and the whole organization is. To see these two grinning ear to ear is shameful. Stand up for yourselves ladies. I'm so happy Victoria retired and put herself first!

[@not-a-ghost2206]

I bet ya bullying is also a big part of it. Its a big part of cheerleading in high school, you dont tell me those women let someone even try to take their place? No they stop at Nothing and no one. Maybe bot everyone but some.

[@Virgo7710]

It's so toxic. I use to watch the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Making The Team Reality TV show up until 2009 when I could no longer physically stomach watching it. When it was on weekly once a year, in the early to mid 2000's because it was like a train wreck you couldn't take your eyes away from. The whole culture the gross degrading way Kelly & the other blonde Woman got off trying to destroy young Women's self esteem & the way the Women almost always happily obliged. Willing to do anything just to be Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. Having to quit successful well paying jobs I recall a Woman not making the team that did that. It doesn't or didn't pay hardly anything in the early 2000's when I watched. I don't know & haven't yet watched this DCC Making the team documentry but from the little I have seen it sounds like damage control. I remember watching that show with some friends & other people they knew around 2007 & one of the guy’s was shaking his head the whole time & said this show is the most disgusting & degrading thing I have ever seen & he was as I recall very misogynistic himself but even he was shocked at their evil behavior towards the cheerleader trying out. But These team directors Kelly other older mean blonde lady. I guess they are bitter former 1970’s era Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders are more Misogynistic then any Man I know & degrading & catty & mean & jealous, down right evil to these young girls trying out some who have worked their entire life since age 6 to train to be Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. And these washed up old former DCC Kelly & the blonde mean one get their kicks calling them out on their appearance & their weight calling them fat & thick & all you can think is do these 2 Women Kelly & the other one own a mirror & a scale? Being a former DCC from the 1970’s is super long time ago it’s 2024 everything is different now they need new former DCC cheerleaders who are sweet & smart & know how to respectfully speak to the girls to bring out their best & if have a trainer & or nutritionist do weigh in’s & have it off camera that isn’t necessary to air & causes serious eating disorders. The replacements for Kelly & the blonde one should have been in the DCC sometime in the 2000’s latest late 90’s everything is different now only young & newer veterans can teach & guide them properly with all the new technology & be the most respectful because they know how scary & degrading Kelly treated them & how not to be. The fact she still has a job makes me think there is a serious problem within the entire Dallas Cowboy Football Organization. The reality show would also have first audition open to all ages & humiliated anyone older or out of shape. While Kelly & the other judges laughed & pointed them out so they could see them being made fun of by the judges it was truly cruel.

[@amyljfaves]

Pay them more!!!!

[@MyWorld-xw6ic]

I thought KelCey was retired

[@ohlouda954]

terrible audio mixing

[@kimwaddell4218]

Can't hear anything

[@vanessavieira111]

Pay them!!!

[@KristineElizabethKraycer]

With all the money this business has, give the girls all a room until they know they have at least made the squad. I never understood how you go down there, try out, have to find your own place to live and you might not even make the squad. Don't most places have leases to sign? Imagine getting an apartment and being cut the week or even the night before the first game. Why do we call them America's Sweethearts? I don't get it. They are wearing next to nothing and flaunting everything to all the crowd. It's like wearing a bikini at a hot, sweaty football game. Bubbles Cash, who was a stripper, made her way down the stairs at the 50 yard line at a Dallas Cowboys football game carrying cotton candy in both hands. She was so striking that she caused a stir in the crowd (a lot of old guys thinking "Hubba Hubba"). This led to the Cowboys owner at the time, Tex Schramm putting two and two together, and deciding that this kind of thing could draw more people into the ball games. So DCC is fashioned after a stripper and yet they like to say they are the classiest girls around and America's Sweethearts.... yeah... ok.

[@ThePricipleOfParsimony]

Sorry, but they treat these girls horribly...and for way too little money on top of it all. No respect for the DC organization after seeing this.

[@pattiferrari6213]

Wow Kelly is seriously shot up with Botox…

[@hockeyman2274]

If you dont like what you're getting paid - find another job! The pont of the statement is this - these young ladies are doing this because they choose too. Nobody is forcing them.

[@NopeNopeNopetyNope]

That girl Reece looked plastic. Like a cult member.

[@jcraigshelton]

Jealous much?

[@annettecarlin4800]

Cool go big Red.😙