Key Answer Up Front
Among current NFL teams, the Baltimore Ravens do not have an official cheerleading squad, and the Cleveland Browns also do not have one. These are the only two teams that have consistently operated without cheerleaders in the modern era. The Ravens have emphasized a brand identity tied to the Poe poem and the bird mascot, while the Browns have alternated policies across ownership eras. Other teams have made high-profile changes—such as the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders scaling back or restructuring performances—but the Ravens and Browns remain the only two franchises without any official cheerleading unit.
What NFL Teams Currently Have Cheerleaders
Most NFL teams employ cheerleading or performance units to engage fans, support game-day entertainment, and participate in community and marketing initiatives. Many franchises organize squads that perform at home games, appear in commercials, and represent the team at civic events. However, policies, structures, and visibility vary widely, and a handful of teams have chosen to operate without them entirely.
Notable Teams Without Cheerleaders
- Baltimore Ravens: No official cheerleading squad; brand built around Poe and the bird mascot.
- Cleveland Browns: No official cheerleading squad; stance has shifted across ownership periods.
Why Teams Do or Don’t Use Cheerleaders
Teams weigh brand identity, fan expectations, costs, and labor considerations when deciding whether to maintain cheerleading programs. Some view cheerleaders as an important part of gameday spectacle and community outreach, while others see the routines as misaligned with their culture or unnecessarily costly amid evolving labor norms. Public discourse and union attention around performance conditions and pay have also prompted rethinking for some franchises.
High-Profile Changes in Recent Years
Several teams have restructured, scaled back, or rebranded their performances in response to shifting expectations. Notably, the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders moved away from traditional cheerleading toward new formats—such as the Commanders’ unified Hunt Leader program—reflecting broader trends in how teams approach in-arena entertainment and talent management.
League Trends and Evolving Perspectives
League-wide, there is no mandate requiring cheerleading, and each franchise sets its own policy. League and union attention to performer pay, healthcare, and working conditions has prompted deeper reviews of programs. As a result, some teams have moved toward alternative community-focused ambassador models that emphasize broader skill sets beyond traditional sideline routines.
Takeaway
As of the current season, the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns are the only NFL teams without cheerleaders. Across the league, programs are undergoing reassessment as teams balance brand expression, fan engagement, and modern labor norms, leading to a more varied landscape of in-arena performance and community presence.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which NFL teams definitely do not have cheerleaders today?
The Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns currently operate without cheerleading units. No other active franchise omits a branded performance unit, though program names, structures, and levels of visibility differ.
Have any other teams ended cheerleading programs recently?
Yes. The Las Vegas Raiders discontinued their traditional cheerleading squad in recent years, and the Washington Commanders replaced their program with the Commander Hunt initiative. Other teams have adjusted schedules, compensation, and roles without eliminating the function entirely.
Are there league rules about cheerleading?
There is no league-wide mandate requiring cheerleading. Teams decide independently, and labor discussions have increasingly included topics such as pay, insurance, and working conditions for in-arena performers.
Do teams still use cheerleaders in the playoffs and special events?
This varies by franchise. Some maintain performance units for high-profile games and events, while others rely on broader entertainment acts or community ambassador programs year-round.