In a controversial decision, the Arizona Cardinals removed their cheer squad from the field during Monday Night Football, sparking backlash from fans and former cheerleaders. Although the Cardinals have faced challenges on the field this season, it was an off-field decision that had fans talking as the team took on the Los Angeles Chargers. Instead of cheering from the sidelines, the Cardinals’ cheerleaders were absent, surprising and disappointing supporters.
For many NFL teams, cheerleading represents more than game-day entertainment; it’s a tradition, a source of pride, and a way for young fans—especially girls—to connect with the sport. So when the Cardinals abruptly sidelined their cheerleaders, many fans were left frustrated. Friends and family of the squad were the first to speak out after watching their loved ones pulled from the sidelines and directed to the locker room mid-game.
The decision became more contentious when it was revealed that the cheerleaders’ performance was limited to only brief breaks, cutting down their presence to just 10 to 15 minutes—far less than the usual three hours of crowd engagement. For many in the cheerleading community, it felt like a step back in terms of visibility and inclusivity.
FOX Sports later reported that the cheerleaders’ absence was related to a new “premium seating” initiative at State Farm Stadium, which reduced the space available on the sidelines. However, this explanation did little to ease fans’ disappointment, as many voiced their frustration online.
Former Cardinals cheerleader Davis Berryhill expressed her dismay over the decision. “It does hurt my heart a little bit that they won’t be out there tonight,” Berryhill said. “When I was on the team, seeing all the little girls in the stands was my favorite thing ever.
For them to see a woman can be in professional sports, that she can be in the NFL – it’s such an important representation. Taking that away even for one game sends the wrong message.”
To make matters worse, the cheer squad reportedly received only four days’ notice about their reduced role. This sudden change left many feeling that their dedication to game-day preparation was disregarded.
The timing of this controversy couldn’t have been worse for the Cardinals, who are navigating a challenging season.
Despite a key victory over the Chargers that improved their record to 3-4, the cheerleader controversy stole the spotlight, overshadowing their performance and impacting the team’s public image.
The last-minute nature of the Cardinals’ decision also stirred frustration. Reports indicated that the cheerleaders were notified only four days before the game that they wouldn’t be performing in their usual capacity. For a team that invests countless hours practicing and preparing for game day, the abrupt shift felt not only disappointing but also disrespectful to many.
This controversy came at a difficult time for the Cardinals, who have already faced a challenging season. Despite their record improving to 3-4 with a critical victory over the Chargers on Monday night, the cheerleader issue diverted attention from the team’s performance and impacted their public relations.
While the Cardinals are still competing for the NFC West title, their handling of the cheerleading squad has sparked broader conversations about women’s roles in the NFL. As more fans advocate for greater representation and respect for female athletes, it remains to be seen if the organization will address these concerns.
For now, the Cardinals are battling for a playoff spot, but their fans are pushing for something even bigger—respect for the women who contribute to making game day special.
