13 stringent rules many NFL cheerleaders have to live by
The New York Times reported that some NFL cheerleaders must buy their own uniforms. Others, like the cheerleaders for the Seattle Sea Hawks, are given uniforms but must pay for any maintenance or mending.
Carolina Panthers cheerleaders must show up for work five hours before kickoff.
Source: The New York Times
Cincinnati Bengals cheerleaders reportedly must be "within three pounds of their 'ideal weight'" in recent years, according to The Times.
Source: The New York Times, Deadspin
Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders also must go through regular weigh-ins. A former Baltimore Ravens cheerleader told Deadspin that "failure to comply with body weight and/or appearance guidelines could result in suspension from the team or game day suspensions."
Source: The New York Times, Deadspin
Carolina Panthers cheerleaders can't take water breaks unless the team is on offense, The Times reports.
Source: The New York Times
Carolina Panthers cheerleaders also can't change into their street clothes until they leave the stadium, The Times reports.
Source: The New York Times
Oakland Raiders cheerleaders are slapped with fines if they show up with the wrong pompoms, fail to polish their boots, or forget part of their uniform on game day, according to The Times.
Source: The New York Times
According to The Times, cheerleaders for the Baltimore Ravens can't pose nude or semi-nude, work as exotic dancers, or be in any "tasteless films, photos, or bikini/swimwear contest."
Source: The New York Times
Carolina Panthers cheerleaders must cover up visible tattoos or body piercings, The Times reports.
Source: The New York Times
San Francisco 49ers cheerleaders reportedly cannot tell people that they are affiliated with the team.
Source: The New York Times
The Times reports that, according to several NFL cheerleader handbooks, "wearing sweatpants in public is forbidden" on some teams.
Source: The New York Times
Cheerleaders are also banned from posting "pictures of themselves in uniform," The Times reports.
Source: The New York Times
NFL cheerleaders are barred from associating with the football players themselves — that means no autographs or social media follows, according to The Times.
Source: The New York Times
Are you a former NFL cheerleader with a story to share? Email acain@businessinsider.com.
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