**Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell on Retirement and Reflections After 40 Years with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders**
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For over four decades, Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell have stood as iconic figures within the realm of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC). Recently, the pair opened up about their long careers, their dedication to the team, and the prospect of retirement in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. Following the release of the third season of the Netflix series *America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders*, the conversation brought to light their extensive contributions to the organisation.
Judy Trammell, who joined the cheerleading squad as a dancer in 1980, has been a significant part of the DCC lineage since. Now 68 years old, Trammell transitioned into an assistant choreographer just a few years into her tenure, taking on the role in 1984. She has dedicated herself to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders as a choreographer and leader, embodying the essence of the team.
Kelli Finglass, now 61, also began her journey with the DCC as a cheerleader, joining the squad in 1984. Finglass made history when she became the first person to be invited back to the team without undergoing a new audition after her initial stint. Her steadfast commitment led to her promotion to assistant director and later to director in 1991, a position she has held ever since.
Their extensive experience within the organisation has undoubtedly contributed to the renewed popularity of the DCC, particularly due to the show’s recent success. The third season of *America’s Sweethearts* debuted on Netflix on June 16, further highlighting both women’s influential roles as they navigated their own personal journeys throughout their careers with the cheerleading squad.
Reflecting on their time spent with the cheerleaders, both Finglass and Trammell noted the personal sacrifices made throughout their lengthy careers. Finglass shared, “Judy and I both have sacrificed so much time with our families, our children, our spouses, our parents, and in Judy’s case, grandchildren.” This sentiment underscores the weight of their long-standing commitments within the organisation, making the thought of retirement poignant and complicated.
While Finglass acknowledged that contemplating retirement might be challenging, she expressed a desire to focus more on family relationships in the future, particularly the prospect of becoming a grandparent. “When I get the chance to be a grandparent, that’s probably when I will say no for myself because I want time with my family,” she stated. The idea of stepping away from the DCC would indeed be momentous for her, as she likened her camaraderie with Trammell to that of sisters.
On the other hand, Trammell offered a more definitive perspective regarding retirement. Expressing her awareness that it is “coming pretty soon,” she remained open about the timing being uncertain. “When it stops being fun, I’ll know it’s time to go,” she remarked, indicating that the joy of her work would ultimately guide her decision.
The pair’s reflections also extend to their experiences on the series itself. Finglass discussed how the storytelling in *America’s Sweethearts* has shifted her mindset about the cheerleaders, noting the deeper insight that the show provides into the lives of both cheerleaders and coaches alike. “It’s beautiful and vulnerable,” she said, emphasising the growth of the narratives presented.
As the DCC continues to evolve with the changing dynamics of the modern world, both women remain dedicated to their roles, even while considering what lies ahead. The bond they share through their experiences is evident in their conversations, revealing the depth of their friendship forged through years of teamwork and dedication.
For now, fans can continue to enjoy the third season of *America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders*, which showcases not only the iconic dance routines but also the personal stories that define the cheerleaders of America’s Team. With Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell at the helm, the legacy of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders remains as vibrant as ever, albeit with poignant reflections on the possibility of retirement in the near future.