Cheerleading squads have long been part of the NFL’s game-day tradition, bringing energy and entertainment to fans. However, not every franchise chooses to have them. In this article, we will explore the NFL teams without cheerleaders, uncovering the reasons behind their decisions, the history involved, and the impact on fans and the teams themselves.
Team Profile Summary Table
| Team Name | City/State | Has Cheerleaders? | Last Year With Cheerleaders | Notable Reasons for Opting Out |
| Buffalo Bills | Buffalo, NY | No | 2013 | Legal issues with former squad |
| Chicago Bears | Chicago, IL | No | 1988 | Shift in marketing strategy |
| Cleveland Browns | Cleveland, OH | No | Never had | Cultural tradition, fan preference |
| Green Bay Packers | Green Bay, WI | No (sort of) | N/A | Use college cheerleaders instead |
| New York Giants | East Rutherford, NJ | No | Never had | Traditional team approach, NY market dynamics |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Pittsburgh, PA | No | 1969 | Historical performance group dissolved |
History of Cheerleaders in the NFL
Cheerleading in the NFL dates back to the 1960s, initially introduced as a form of added entertainment. Over time, squads became part of team branding and fan engagement strategies. Yet, for several franchises, the idea didn’t align with their team culture or fanbase preferences.
The Six NFL Teams Without Cheerleaders
As of the 2025 NFL season, the following NFL teams do not have cheerleaders:
Buffalo Bills
The Bills disbanded their cheerleading squad, the “Buffalo Jills,” in 2014 following a lawsuit from former cheerleaders who alleged unfair pay and mistreatment. Since then, the franchise has chosen not to reinstate a squad.
Chicago Bears
The Bears once had the “Honey Bears” cheerleading squad, but they were eliminated after the 1985 Super Bowl season. Ownership decided to take a more conservative approach to in-game entertainment and never brought them back.
Cleveland Browns
Interestingly, the Browns have never had an official cheerleading squad. The organization has cited local traditions and a focus on football-first culture as reasons for their stance.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers technically don’t have a professional cheerleading squad. Instead, they collaborate with local college cheerleaders from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and St. Norbert College to perform during games.
New York Giants
Despite being in one of the largest markets, the Giants have never had cheerleaders. The team has maintained a more traditional approach, likely influenced by their location and historical branding strategy.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers briefly had a cheerleading team in 1961 called the “Steelerettes,” but it was short-lived and disbanded in 1969. The team has not reintroduced a cheer squad since, citing a lack of alignment with their franchise image.
Reasons Why Some Teams Opt Out
There are several reasons why certain NFL teams choose to operate without cheerleaders:
Legal and Financial Concerns
Lawsuits and disputes over pay, as seen with the Buffalo Bills, can lead franchises to avoid the operational complexities of cheer squads altogether.
Cultural or Regional Preferences
Teams like the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers have strong local traditions and fan cultures that don’t prioritize or demand cheerleading squads.
Marketing and Brand Strategy
Some teams opt for a more conservative or traditional image, believing cheerleaders may not add substantial value to their overall brand.
Impact on Fan Experience
Do Fans Miss Cheerleaders?
Surveys show mixed results. In markets like Cleveland and Pittsburgh, fans are more focused on the game and traditions. However, in cities like Dallas or Miami, cheerleaders are integral to the team identity.
Alternative Entertainment
Teams without cheerleaders often invest more in drumlines, mascots, and video content to enhance the game-day atmosphere.
Cheerleaders and the Modern NFL
As the NFL continues to evolve, teams are reassessing the value of traditional cheerleading squads. While many franchises still proudly feature them, others find alternative ways to engage with fans that align more closely with their local culture and brand identity.
Will These Teams Ever Bring Cheerleaders Back?
Possibility of Revival
For some franchises, the idea has been debated. Chicago Bears fans occasionally lobby to bring back the Honey Bears, especially during nostalgia-driven seasons.
Team Statements
Most teams without cheerleaders have shown little interest in reinstating squads, preferring to focus on football or invest in different fan engagement strategies.
Conclusion
The list of NFL teams without cheerleaders is short but historically significant. Whether due to legal challenges, cultural values, or strategic branding decisions, these franchises have chosen a different path. While cheerleaders remain a celebrated part of the NFL for many teams, others continue to thrive without them.
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FAQs
The Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers currently do not have cheerleaders.
The Buffalo Bills disbanded the “Buffalo Jills” in 2014 after a lawsuit was filed by former cheerleaders regarding unfair pay and treatment.
No, the Chicago Bears have not brought back the Honey Bears since they were disbanded after the 1985 season.
Not officially. They use college cheerleaders from nearby universities to maintain a local, community-driven feel.
As of now, none of these teams have made public plans to reinstate cheerleading squads. Some fans advocate for their return, but franchises remain firm in their current decisions.