“I’ve sacrificed a lot”: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ director Kelli Finglass confronts the possibility of walking away from the America’s Sweetheart | NFL News
For Kelli Finglass, leading the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders has never been only about flawless routines and game-day glamour. Her role has placed her at the center of auditions, tough decisions, television scrutiny and the changing pressures faced by young performers. As Netflix’s America’s Sweethearts returns for season three, Finglass is reflecting on criticism, motherhood, vulnerability and the possibility of eventually stepping away.
Kelli Finglass on Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and social media criticism
Kelli Finglass knows exactly what it takes to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader because she once stood where the dancers now stand. She performed for the Cowboys from 1984 to 1989 before taking over as coach in 1991. Her career has since become closely tied to the evolution of the organization on television.The Netflix series has brought unprecedented attention to the cheerleaders, but that visibility has a downside. Social media criticism can follow the women beyond the dance studio, something Finglass says she has seen affect members of the team.She does not make a habit of reading online comments herself. Still, she understands the emotional weight they can carry.“The words of people, while they can be very, very uplifting… Like in my personal case with my skin cancer journey, the people that reached out to me were extremely supportive,” she said in an interview with Vanity Fair.“Words can hurt and they can also heal. I’m trusting humanity to help figure this one out because it’s a much bigger thing than I can solve. But the girls being busy and focused and supportive of each other is where our strength will remain.”That outlook reflects a major lesson Finglass has learned through years of television. The cheerleaders do not need to appear perfect all the time.
Kelli Finglass reveals her future with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
Kelli Finglass has also reconsidered what leadership means as she has grown older. She says motherhood changed how she sees the young women she coaches and helped her understand the struggles they face away from performances.Her approach has shifted from demanding perfection toward encouraging honesty and resilience.“I spent practically my whole career trying to create flawless performances, and what we’ve learned through TV is that vulnerability is actually more attractive. People love when they can relate to somebody, and that’s been an unexpected “aha” for me—for these girls to not project perfection, but rather be honest about their victories and honest about their struggles, has, I hope, given viewers something to find hope in and find something they can relate to.”Now entering her 35th season with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, retirement is no longer an impossible thought. Finglass says her family could ultimately influence that decision, especially as she looks toward becoming a grandmother someday.“I have, but we’re so busy, we don’t have time to think about anything except the next hour. It would be a personal decision. I’ve sacrificed a lot of time with my family. My daughter is married, my son is in a relationship, and when I ever get the honor to be a grandma…I want that time if and when I have grandchildren. That would definitely give me a heartfelt reason to go to a new chapter.”For now, Finglass remains focused on the next generation. Her story has become intertwined with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, but her lasting message may be simpler: perfection is impressive, while vulnerability can be powerful.
