Miami Dolphins cheerleaders share their secrets

By Michele Wright
CBS12.com
11/7/2011

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The life of a Miami Dolphins cheerleader may seem glamorous, with all the adoring fans and being in the spotlight for some of the biggest football games and events in the world.

However being a professional cheerleader is more than just a pretty face. CBS 12’s Michele Wright reveals the secrets of the sideline.

The Sun Life Stadium is quiet now, but it’s the home of the Miami Dolphins football team. Sunday fun day with football, food, fun and the ladies on the sidelines cheering everyone on…the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders.

As a former NFL Cheerleader (Jacksonville Jaguars ROAR), I got the exclusive CBS 12 interview, and sat down with two local Phins cheerleaders. They stopped by the CBS 12 studios, giving us a rare look into the life of a NFL cheerleader. Brianne Herndon is a veteran cheerleader from Port St. Lucie. And Kylee Rodgers is a rookie living in West Palm Beach.

“I love being on field, it’s the most amazing experience. fans screaming…best seat in the house,” Herndon said. “I’ve always done dancing my entire life every since I was 2. Dad grew up in Ft. Lauderdale born & raised. Grew up watching Miami Dolphins. I grew up around the Dolphins. We always had season tickets and I would always go to the game & when I saw the cheerleaders. I fell in love. I knew when I turned 18. I wanted to tryout for Miami Dolphins.”

“I love it here…being a part of Dolphins icing on the cake,” Rodgers said. “I’ve been an athlete my entire life. Really inspired to try-out for the NFL squad because I enjoy performing and working out and being a part of a team with 41 other beautiful women to support me and work hard with is a dream opportunity.

The pay range is $20-$50 per home game. With over 500 appearances with the Miami Dolphins organizatio, the unveiling of their new 2010 swimsuit calendar, full-time jobs and school, these ladies stay busy on and off the field.

“My entire day can be demanding at times,” Rodgers said. “I definitely get up bright and early work all the way to 4 o’clock in the afternoon.

“The hard work together, the sweat, moments, calendar unveiling, excitement can’t describe it, I live for it.”

What are the myths about being an NFL cheerleader?

“I think the biggest one is that we don’t work hard,” Rodgers said. “You should see us after practice. We really work hard, learn routines, look beautiful on the field.”

“Everyone thinks that we’re always glamorous,” Herndon said. “No, we have practice 3 times a week from 6-10 & its hard work to cheer on our favorite team. We’re dancing the whole time.”

What do the fans think of the cheerleaders?

“They’re always excited to see us,” Herndon said. “It puts a smile on our face, how excited they are to get our autograph. Just to see their faces.”

“If we wave at a young child or a really excited fan,” Rodgers said, “it brings a smile and a feeling I can’t describe.”

How do the cheerleaders inspire others?

“You do the best you can, it’s that sparkle,” Herndon said.

“Believe in yourself. It’s about being a role model to young women, know how to present yourself, care about community, get involved, doing the right thing,” Rodgers said.

The ladies tell me that they LOVE performing in front of the fans, but they are most proud of their work in the community.

Email Michele Wright, Reporter/Anchor: mwright@cbs12.com