Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders’ Former Rules Revealed by Ex-Squad Member
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The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for the AFC Championship Game, set to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Jan. 26, as they push towards the Super Bowl. However, one group that will be conspicuously absent from the sidelines is the Bills Cheerleaders, also known as the Buffalo Jills. Disbanded in 2014 due to a lawsuit filed by five ex-cheerleaders citing violations of state minimum wage laws and workplace regulations, the team has not been reinstated since.
Following an eight-year legal battle that culminated in a settlement with Cumulus Media and the Bills, the former cheerleaders reached an agreement which saw the team disbanded. As a result, the former members formed the Buffalo Jills NFL Cheerleaders Alumni Association to uphold their traditions. Shana Klimeczko, a former Buffalo Jill for the 2005-2006 season and a current member of the Alumni Association, shared exclusive insights with PEOPLE about her time with the squad.
During her tenure as a Buffalo Jill, Klimeczko experienced the rigorous tryout process that required not only mastering choreography but also embodying a wholesome image overall. Beyond physical appearance, cheerleaders were expected to be well-spoken and engaging, as they represented the team at various events and charitable functions.
One of the strict rules Klimeczko highlighted was the requirement for cheerleaders to keep their hair down and well-groomed. The squad also adhered to specific guidelines for makeup and nail polish, with deviations resulting in potential exclusion from game appearances. In particular, red lipstick and pink, French, or clear nails were mandatory for game days.
To maintain a consistent appearance, tan skin was also a must for the Buffalo Jills, achieved through spray tans or tanning beds. Klimeczko noted that physical fitness was crucial for cheerleaders, given the demanding routines they performed. Aesthetic standards were high, with cheerleaders expected to maintain a toned physique and proper grooming.
To prevent distractions and maintain professionalism, cheerleaders were strictly prohibited from fraternizing with NFL players. Klimeczko recalled an incident in Miami where the squad was asked to leave a bar upon discovering they were socializing with players from a rival team. The separation was necessary to ensure focus and avoid any conflicts of interest.
Off the field, cheerleaders were required to adhere to a dress code for events and public appearances. The Buffalo Jills also had to withstand the freezing Buffalo weather during games, using heat warmers to stay warm in their skimpy uniforms. Despite the challenges, Klimeczko stressed that cheerleading for the Bills was about more than just the financial compensation.
While cheerleaders received payment for appearances and game day performances, the income was modest compared to the time and effort invested. Klimeczko highlighted the personal growth, community engagement, and visibility that came with being a Buffalo Jill, underscoring that it was a dream opportunity rather than a lucrative career path. The experience laid a foundation for future endeavors and contributed to shaping the women into role models for their community.
In light of Klimeczko’s revelations, the behind-the-scenes regulations and routines of the Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders shed light on the dedication and discipline required to uphold the team’s image and spirit. Despite the disbandment of the squad, the legacy of the Buffalo Jills endures through the alumni association, maintaining connections and memories from their time on the sidelines.
As the Buffalo Bills continue their pursuit of football glory, the absence of their cheerleaders serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of professional sports and the unique challenges faced by those in the spotlight, both on and off the field. Klimeczko’s candid account provides a glimpse into the inner workings of cheerleading culture within the NFL and the unwavering commitment of those who once proudly cheered for the team.