Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Reacts to Comments Criticizing Her Appearance

Former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Claire Wolford addressed the body-shaming remarks she has received, noting that in the past, such comments would have deeply affected her. Wolford cheered for the Cowboys from 2020 to 2024 and is now an All-Star for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, a team of former cheerleaders who perform as substitutes or at pregame events. She recently filled in during the Thanksgiving game, marking her first field performance in two years, and urged the public to stop the negative commentary she noticed on video clips of her.

In a TikTok posted on Saturday, Wolford reflected, I spent years criticizing my own body, over-exercising, and trying to fit a mold. Ive healed and now feel more confident in my body image and self-worth. She emphasized that such remarks can impact others differently, stating that viewers of various body types might be negatively affected by similar comments.

Many current Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders showed support, calling Wolford an inspiration and a role model for addressing such an important issue. Fellow All-Star Elli DiGiovanni highlighted the challenge of performing the teams signature pregame routine to ACDCs Thunderstruck, describing it as a physically demanding performance that requires maximum effort for four minutes, finishing with high-energy kicklines and splits.

DiGiovanni praised Wolfords talent, noting she crushed the performance while filling in, and discussed the pressure placed on cheerleaders, who are scrutinized for every aspect of their appearance. She explained that the iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader uniform is tailored to fit each performer and can amplify self-doubt about body image.

Wolford has previously spoken about body-shaming experiences, recalling in a 2024 podcast that people had labeled her obese or doubted she would make the squad during stricter weight standards. Historically, Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders were expected to maintain a highly specific physique, with former director Kelli Finglass describing the ideal shape as similar to a classic pin-up girl.

Earlier Netflix docuseries Americas Sweethearts showed former cheerleader Victoria Kalina discussing the pressures of weigh-ins and extreme eating behaviors while on the team. Finglass has since noted that the focus on weight has shifted, as addressing it directly proved ineffective.

Author: Sophia Brooks