Former cheerleaders on the Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints have also filed similar complaints.īut this is the first time the behemoth that is the Dallas Cowboys, beloved as “America’s Team,” has entered the conversation. Earlier this month, five former Houston Texans cheerleaders sued that team for failing to compensate them fully and for creating a hostile work environment. She’s not the only ex-cheerleader on a crusade for change. Wilkins also claims she worked hours - many of them in AT&T Stadium, team owner Jerry Jones’ $1.2 billion football temple - for which she wasn’t compensated, and that she wasn’t paid overtime for hours worked in excess of 40 per week. Cheerleaders, meanwhile, are paid $8 per hour for practices - just above minimum wage - and flat rates for games and appearances, such as calendar signings.
In the suit, she claims that cheerleaders were paid less than the team’s mascot - a costumed cowboy called Rowdy, and played by a man who reportedly makes $65,000 a year plus commission. Now, Wilkins, whose career ended in August 2017, is suing the Cowboys organization for lost wages. I can’t walk down to my leasing office and hand them my uniform for the month.” “But at the end of the day, prestige doesn’t pay my rent. “Yes, it is prestigious,” Wilkins, now 26, told The Post of cheering for the Cowboys. Her total annual earnings? About $4,700 after taxes. She appeared solo on the cover of the group’s swimsuit calendar, was deemed a star on a reality show about the team, and performed onstage with Blake Shelton and Usher. Then 22, the Friendswood, Texas, native was one of just 16 women to make the team’s “show group,” an elite squad made up of the best technical dancers on the team. Stefon Diggs next team odds: Chiefs linked to star receiver after cryptic tweetĭerrick Henry: Cowboys ‘never called at all’ during my free agencyĭuring the 2014-2015 NFL season, Erica Wilkins had a banner rookie year as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. IN 10 YEARS FROM NOW I WILL …be pleased to look back on all of the fond memories I’ve created with friends and family.Cowboys’ Leighton Vander Esch retires over lingering neck issues: ‘Body won’t cooperate’ PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Making the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders! I‘m truly blessed to be invovled in this experience that’s brought so many incredible people into my life. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING A PART OF DCC? Being in community and sisterhood with women who are genuinely supportive, hardworking, and goal oriented. I also wanted to be a part of a group of like minded women who inspire and give back to their community. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO AUDITION FOR DCC? I wanted to step out of my comfort zone while continuing to push myself as a person and performer! Given all of the talent that has come through this organization, I knew this was a place I could do that. During that time, I served as Right Middle Officer and was a part of Industry Dance Company within my college‘s dance department.
After high school, I performed as a Rangerette for 2 years.
I danced with and led my teammates on the drill team in high school, as a Lieutenant and Captain. WHAT IS YOUR DANCING BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE? I began dancing at a studio as a kid. WHAT IS THE THEME SONG OF YOUR LIFE? Put Your Records On- Corinne Bailey Rae NAME 5 GUESTS AT YOUR DINNER PARTY: Lupita Nyong’o, Tori Kelly, Dylan O’Brien, Michael B. HOW DO OTHERS DESCRIBE YOU? Funny, kind, good listener, loyal and dedicated.ĭO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? I can whistle.ĭO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? Yes. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT? CANDY!ĭO YOU HAVE ANY REGRETS? No regrets, we can only hope to learn from past decisions!īIGGEST MOTIVATION? My faith and family! They are both constant sources of comfort and reminders that I am capable of more than I know.ĭO YOU HAVE ANY PETS ? I have a dog named Sasha.īEACH OR MOUNTAIN VACATION? Beach vacation!ĭESCRIBE A PERFECT DAY IN YOUR LIFE: A fun filled day spent with my friends or family enjoying good food and good vibes.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU? People who go the extra mile to be successful in their careers, personal goals, etc. Dallas Cowboys: Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons