For the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the glitter and glamour of game day often come with a significant personal cost, especially during the festive season. While homes are decorated and families gather, their professional commitment to America's Team rarely pauses, making Christmas feel like just another demanding workday for many within the franchise.
The Unyielding Holiday Grind of an NFL Cheerleader
The schedule is non-negotiable. When the Cowboys have a holiday matchup at AT&T Stadium, every cheerleader is expected to be present, without exception. Practices continue with increased intensity, routines are perfected, and public appearances are mandatory. Time with loved ones is routinely postponed until after the final whistle blows. This relentless rhythm is the norm, but occasionally, an unusual season can create a rare bend in tradition.
A Pivotal Roster Decision in 2022
One such deviation occurred quietly in 2022, a year that broke the established mold. The squad made an uncommon decision to carry 37 dancers instead of the customary 36. As cheerleader Marissa Phillips explained to PEOPLE years later, this was a notable departure. "It's happened before, but it's pretty rare that they take extra," Phillips revealed. Instead of overhauling every complex formation to accommodate the additional person, the team's leadership implemented a simple rotation system. This meant each cheerleader would voluntarily sit out one game during the season.
For Phillips, the lottery of this rotation placed her off-duty slot on a particularly special date: Christmas Eve. While she still reported with the team and followed all standard game-day protocols, her role underwent a dramatic shift. She traded the field for the press box, gaining a completely new vantage point.
Christmas Eve from the Press Box and a Dash for Home
"So I didn't dance that game, but the cool thing about sitting out was you got to sit in the press box, and you got to eat all the food you wanted," Phillips recalled with amusement. "I was watching the game, I was watching the girls dance, and I had a whole plate of Christmas Eve food." This simple pleasure offered a unique and relaxed perspective on the high-pressure event.
The break in routine extended beyond the stadium. Normally, the entire squad would travel back together to their headquarters in Frisco, Texas. However, on that particular Christmas Eve, a spirit of flexibility prevailed. "They allowed people to get straight in the car with their families. Some girls would get on Christmas Eve flights to go straight home, which was really sweet," Phillips shared.
This policy allowed Phillips to embark on a memorable midnight drive back to Austin with her family. "We were driving back and it was midnight," she remembered with a laugh. "We were like, 'At least we're going to make it before Santa does.'" In a profession built on unwavering discipline and duty, this small concession created a cherished holiday memory, proving that sometimes, the most lasting moments aren't found in the spotlight of the field, but in the quiet race home to beat Santa.
