NFL Cheer Squad Criticized For Too “Modest” Cheer Uniforms

Can a cheerleader’s uniform be too “modest” or “wholesome?” That’s what some people are saying about the Green Bay Packers cheerleading squad’s uniforms. First, it’s important to note that the Packers is one of just six NFL teams without an official cheerleading team. Those cheerleaders rooting for the Packers on the sidelines are actually college cheerleaders from the local St. Norbert College and of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Why doesn’t Green Bay want its own cheer squad? As explained by the President of the football team, college cheerleaders fit with the “wholesome” image the team wants to project. It’s old fashioned and quaint and that’s the way they like it. The Packers provide the selected college cheerleaders modest uniforms (ones many high school squads may use: a standard-length skirt, shell top, and long-sleeve bodyliner), which are, for the most part, well-received and liked by the people whose opinion matters most: the fans and the Green Bay community. The Packers originally had its own cheer squad but was disbanded in 1987. The organization re-introduced cheerleaders in the mid 1990s by forming a group of local college cheerleaders. Green Bay football players also piped into the conversation, explaining that the Packers don’t need to entice fans with entertainment or scantily clad cheerleaders. Their fans come to see a good game. Fun fact: the other NFL teams that don’t have an official cheer squad are the Chicago Bears, the Cleveland Browns, the Detroit Lions, the New York Giants, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. All teams are located in colder regions, leading many to wonder if that’s one of the reasons. The cheerleaders would have to frequently wear warm-ups and cold-weather accessories rather than skirts or shorts. What do you think about this argument? Should a team be criticized for looking too modest? And what do you think that has to say about the rest of the NFL cheer industry? News Sources: NBC Sports and Journal Sentinel