Looking Back on the NFL Cheerleaders

In honor of the Super Bowl this Sunday, it's time to highlight the best dressed ladies on the sidelines (well, at least the most festively dressed ladies) - the Cheerleaders! 

In 1954, the Baltimore Colts were the first NFL team to have a cheerleading squad.  Compared with the modern day uniforms their uniforms topped off with blazers look very conservative.

1954 Baltimore Colts Cheerleaders

During the 60s and early 70s cheerleaders were often seen wearing pinafores or short pleated skirts with sneakers. 

San Diego Chargers Cheerleaders

New York Jets Cheerleaders

 

 

Then the Dallas Cowboys ushered in a new brand of professional cheerleading.  

In the 1960s, the original squad was a co-ed group of high school students from the Dallas area called the CowBelles and Beaux. 

1966 Dallas CowBelles & Beaux

Although they cheered their team all the way to the 1971 Super Bowl, the Cowboys' general manager, Tex Schramm, had a different vision for the squad.  He wanted to bring beauty and glamour to the sidelines.  

The high school students were replaced by an attractive group of atheletic female dancers, and the traditional cheer uniforms were replaced by the mid-drift bearing short shorts and star emblazoned vests that the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders still wear today.  
 

Wendi White (1980-1981)

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

The 1972-1973 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders were the beginning of the modern era of NFL cheerleading. 

Love the addition of dance and gymnastics, but kinda miss all the cute pleated skirts.  Am I the only one?