Full Breakdown
Reece Weaver Retires from Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Amid Pay Controversy
6/17/2026, 10:08:17 PM
Retirement Decision and Future Plans
Reece Weaver, a 2023 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and University of Alabama graduate, announced her departure after three seasons in the finale of “America’s Sweethearts” season 3. She called the decision “hard” and expressed gratitude for her time with the squad. Weaver plans to return to Alabama, continue dancing, pursue a teaching certification, and start a family.
Background: DCC Compensation Landscape
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have been part-time employees, earning $15–$20 per hour for practice and a $500 game fee, without health insurance. Many hold side jobs. In 2018, former cheerleader Erica Wilkins sued over $7-hour wages and a $200 per-game rate; the 2019 settlement raised base pay to $12 per hour. Veteran cheerleaders, including Jada McLean, later secured a sizable pay increase for the 2024-25 season.
Data & Statistics
Pre-increase practice pay was $15 /hour with a $500 game fee. Rookie flat fee: $100; second-year: $200; veteran: $400 per game (2025). A reported 400 % increase raised hourly earnings to about $75, giving veterans roughly $150,000 annually. Weaver cited a 300 % rise in her own pay. Quarterback Dak Prescott earns over $160 million, highlighting the disparity.
Official Statements & Responses
Director Kelli Finglass thanked Weaver and emphasized forward momentum. Choreographer Judy Trammell praised her impact and encouraged future pursuits. Weaver noted the “controversy” over cheerleader pay but expressed gratitude for any compensation and welcomed the recent “huge improvement” in game-day wages.
Criticism & Opposition
Cheerleaders stress the need for side jobs due to low base wages and lack of benefits. The 2018 lawsuit highlighted wage fairness concerns compared with NFL players, whose rookie contracts start at $750,000.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the pay increase magnitude: some cite a 400 % rise, while Weaver mentions a 300 % rise. Reported post-increase hourly rates range from $75 to $75 per hour, and annual earnings estimates vary between $150,000 and “approximately $150,000.” The Cowboys have not disclosed exact figures.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm really excited about it, but it's been hard to make that decision,” — Reece Weaver
- “I know there’s a lot of controversy with how much we get paid and stuff like that. I’m grateful that we do get paid because, in some instances, some NFL programs do not get paid as much as we do. So, we are very grateful in that sense,” — Reece Weaver
- “We were pretty serious, as leaders, this was something that we really wanted to see a change happen,” — Jada McLean
- “more like 300 percent” — Reece Weaver
What’s Next
Weaver intends to move back to Alabama, pursue a dance career, and earn a teaching credential while growing her social-media presence. The DCC will keep reviewing compensation for the 2026 season, with possible adjustments pending negotiations.
