Becoming a Male NFL Cheerleader
Dylon is a 3-year NFL male cheerleader for the New Orleans Saints Cheerleaders. Dylon shares a quick interview and VLOG on his NFL cheerleading journey, background, advice, tips, and so much more.
DANCE BACKGROUND
I am self-taught! I always wanted to take dance classes, but was never allowed to when I was younger. Being from a small town in the South made it difficult to want to do something so out of the norm, but as soon as I could, I would watch YouTube videos to learn how to tumble. I would practice on my trampoline and then move to the ground when I felt confident in a new skill.
Fast forward to college, I made LSU Cheerleading and then knew I wasn’t done performing after that. I enrolled in a few dance classes at LSU, and used my natural abilities and hard work to catch up on lost time. I’m so glad that I kept pursuing dance in an unconventional way because it has taught me to never stop fighting for what I want to achieve.
Tips to other males following their pro dance and cheer dreams?
VLOG - Becoming a male NFL Cheerleader - Dylon
3-year NFL Cheerleader
Research your teams!
Check out which teams have guys already and reach out to those men. If they don’t have any male dancers yet, YOU could be the first one – reach out to someone on their team and ask for advice.
Once you’ve narrowed down a team that you like, study their style. Style is KEY! Each team has its own vibe and energy.
Be sure to know what skills, tricks, leaps, jumps, and turns that the team does often. Perfect those skills!
What does being an NFL cheerleader mean to you?
It means SO MUCH to me! I take so much pride in being toward the start of male pro dancers in the NFL because it shows so many young male dancers that all it takes is hard work and determination no matter WHO you are!
The job of dancing and cheering in the NFL encompasses so much more than just performing, and the people I have been able to reach/connect with has changed my life.
How has pro cheer shaped your life?
Pro cheer has changed my life because of the women I have been able to learn from. I was very self-aware during my rookie season that I was a male coming into a female-built industry. I wanted to be a sponge and absorb every ounce of knowledge from the incredibly talented, wise, athletic, hard-working women on my team. The women I perform with have taught me so much about dance, but I have also learned technique, performance quality, discipline, kindness, and so many other transferrable skills that I will take with me long after I am done dancing. (Which hopefully isn’t any time soon!)
Game day/practice tip to other dancers and cheerleaders (something you did not always know):
DANCE BIG ALWAYS! Dance like your life depends on it. Sometimes, as dancers, we “mark” choreography which can be helpful. But I believe in doing everything (in life – not just dance) FULL OUT. You will perform the way you practice, so if you are living your best life at practice and performing full out, Game Day will be a breeze.
Something you can not live without for game days?
Cliff Bars and Body Armour. These two products save me every game and practice. You need those carbs and electrolytes to keep grooving!
Pro dance audition tip?
Be persistent. Take time to breathe. Go easy on yourself. The world is already hard enough on us as it is, so be sure to give yourself grace during the prep process when trying out for a team. Be disciplined, but not too hard on yourself.
Above all, do it BIG!
Advice to other dancers wanting to become a male NFL cheerleader?
My best advice for other male dancers: Don’t. Ever. Stop.
Don’t ever stop being yourself. Don’t ever stop practicing. Don’t ever stop trying. Don’t ever stop auditioning. Don’t ever stop hyping yourself up! You are divine just the way you are, and the world will try to change you, but stick to your heart and you will end up right where you need to be. Your time is coming.
Be genuine in everything you do, work hard always, and you will be unstoppable!
Instagram: @dancingdyll
TikTok: @dancingdyll