Jets’ Flight Crew:
Time to Sign up to Get Your Kicks as a Cheerleader

By Kate Nocera and Oren Yaniv
New York Daily News

The nation’s best football talents are getting ready for the NFL draft this week – but that’s not the only game in town.

Hundreds of dancers are gearing up for a shot at gridiron glory, too, as members of the Jets’ Flight Crew cheerleading squad.

Open auditions will be held May 1 – and current crew members say the thrill of high kicking in front of 80,000 roaring fans can’t be beat.

“Come on, I’m an NFL Cheerleader,” said Jasmine, 22. “How great is that?”

Like the other Flight Crew gals, she kept her last name as secret as coach Rex Ryan’s plays – mindful that some fans can be a bit obsessive.

“This past year has been the time of my life,” she said of her first season as cheerleader. “I know more about football and the Jets than most men do.”

The dancers spoke to the News at the Jets’ practice facility in Florham Park, N.J., where players have started training for the 2010 season.

They raved about the perks of the job – and they’re not talking about close-ups of hunky quarterback Mark Sanchez.

“I’ve grown so much as a person,” said Samantha, 19, a Staten Islander who also joined the squad a year ago.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to try out because it will be the best experience of your life.”

For a chance to shimmy on the sidelines in green and white, applicants can go to www.newyorkjets.com/flight_crew.

Applications are due next week.

All 30 current cheerleaders have to re-audition, although they are exempt from the preliminary rounds.

“I really look for girls who are reliable, responsible and organized in addition to being beautiful, smart and great dancers,” said Denise Garvey, the Flight Crew coach.

Jessica freestyles.

A finalist strikes a pose.

The pre-registration deadline is next Monday (April 26th). Download the registration form here. If you don’t make the deadline, don’t despair. You can still register at the Auditions, but you need to follow all the steps here.