Parlay...sounds like a cheer move. (Source)

You're an incredible dancer. You can shake it with the best of them, thanks in part to the constant intake of lean, green, low-calorie smoothies—an importantly healthy part of maintaining that certain cheerleader physique that the professional leagues are looking for. 

Why wouldn't you parlay that into a fancy career in professional cheerleading?

We're talking about working for the National Football League, a several-billion-dollar a year industry, so that means you'll be making your fair share, right? Only if you think your fair share is minimum wage. The money in this field is almost nonexistent. 

On average, you'll pull in about $3,000 a year (source). Yes, we're still talking about the NFL, and no, we aren't missing a zero in that salary figure. But you'll be paid for all the hard work you put in, right? Like for practices and stuff? Not necessarily.

Then there's the moolah you'll have to shell out to be a cheerleader. Not only are you paid next to nothing, but you'll be on the hook for various job-related expenses as well—possibly including such things as travel and salon costs. What, you thought the team would pay for that?

 

She'd make a great cheerleader if she weren't off saving the world. (Source)

Don't expect to get away with having even an ounce of flab on your tummy. We're not being harsh or unfair here—audition info is very clear on warning you that you're being judged on your figure and how good you look in a skimpy uniform (source). They're not just talking "fit with a little fluff" either. They're talking Black Widow-fit.

Still, it might be worth it if you're in it for the dancing. Maybe you dance for a living and this is just one part of that, or you want to work as a professional choreographer one day. If that's the case, then it might be fun and it could pay off—it certainly did for former cheerleader Paula Abdul.

If anything, at least it'll help you get in shape and stay there, as you'll have all the grueling workouts and cardio you can stand.

If you've got professional modeling or acting aspirations, all the national attention you'll be getting will certainly help in that department. You'll have the eyes of millions of local fans trained on you every weekend—and even more than that when your team is playing on Monday Night. 

You'll be on merchandise, such as promotional calendars or cheap plastic travel coffee mugs. You won't be getting fairly compensated for any of this, but if you're lucky you might be able to use the experience to get a job with a real salary.

The gig comes with the kind of bragging rights usually reserved for pageant queens. Like winning Miss America, saying you cheer in the most popular sport in the country will certainly impress a lot of people.

You'll get to enjoy the sheer excitement of performing in front of a fired-up crowd on game day. Plus, if you cheer for a great team, you could find yourself front and center in front of a hundred million people during the Super Bowl.

Exciting? Sure. But is it worth it? That'll be your call.

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