Cheer This: Detroit Lions Reverse Course

Detroit, MI — Until this year, the Detroit Lions were one of only a handful of teams in the NFL without cheerleaders.

Today, team president Ron Wood announced the Lions would end that tradition this season.

In a statement made this afternoon, Wood said “after thorough consideration and receiving input from our fans through season ticket member surveys and focus groups, we believe that this is an opportunity to elevate our game day entertainment.”

The team’s cheerleaders will perform choreographed dances and cheers during games and “will also have a presence in the community,” appearing at various events.

The Lions hired Rebecca Girard-Smoker, who spent 10 seasons as the dance team director for the Detroit Pistons, as director of the Detroit Lions Cheerleaders.

There are now six NFL teams without an official cheerleader squad: the Bills, Bears, Browns, Packers, Giants and Steelers.

In past seasons, the Detroit Pride played the role as the Lions’ unofficial cheerleaders.

In a post on their Facebook page, the Pride stated “We are SO excited about the Lions announcement today! It's about time fans! Get ready for the poms to fly in Ford Field!”

The Lions will hold auditions for "female-identifying applicants" beginning June 25 at Ford Field. Registration is required ($25) and information is available at detroitlions.com/cheerleaders or by calling (313) 262-2300.

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