The third season of the much-anticipated docuseries, ‘America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’, made its debut on Netflix in June 2026. The latest offering provides an intimate glimpse into the lives and responsibilities of one of the most iconic cheerleading squads in professional sports.
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As the cheerleaders gear up for the rigorous demands of game days, they have shared some of their essential items that they always ensure to include in their game-day bags. With responsibilities that extend from the first whistle to long after the game concludes, a well-prepared bag is as crucial as their perfectly styled uniforms and intricate routines.
In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE magazine, several members of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders opened up about their surprising game-day necessities. For instance, Faith Ward highlighted the importance of having snacks readily available, along with her go-to makeup items, specifically from Charlotte Tilbury. “Always touch-ups on the go,” Ward remarked, mentioning that hairstyling products like hairspray are also must-haves.
Alongside Ward, Parker Kilpatrick indicated that she brings both a handheld electric fan and a folding fan to manage the relentless Texan heat during games. Jenna Waller explained that she and her fellow rookies have taken it upon themselves to introduce a fun tradition where each cheerleader brings a different type of candy to every game, adding a sweet touch to their busy schedule.
While the rookies are still discovering their essentials, seasoned cheerleaders like Kelly Villares, Marissa Leschber, and Charly Barby have established their preferred items over their years on the squad. Barby, for example, claimed, “I always have body glue on me,” explaining that she uses it to secure her uniform to her skin. “Literally, I glue my uniform shorts; they’re glued on me right now,” she added, noting the uniqueness of this necessity among her teammates.
Leschber assured that she never leaves for a game without her Biofreeze spray, used for relieving aches and pains, alongside Listerine strips and Uncrustables, her favourite snack before practice. Echoing Kilpatrick, Villares keeps her own handheld fan handy at all times.
Kelli Finglass, the director of the cheerleaders, alongside head choreographer Judy Trammell, also ensures they are adequately prepared for the long hours of game day. Finglass shared, “I have tennis shoes because my heels only last about the first quarter now,” explaining how her footwear choices have adapted over time.
A key insight from the series is the substantial amount of behind-the-scenes coordination that occurs on game days, which is rarely seen by fans. Trammell’s bag is filled with vital tools to assist in maintaining the squad’s performance level, such as a spiral notebook containing sketches and formations that outline routines. Finglass added that she often packs earphones, either for listening to music or to block out distractions during the chaotic environment.
Recognising that a game day can stretch over eleven hours, Finglass detailed her need for practical items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, as cheerleaders often find themselves eating multiple meals while on duty. “We’re always going to have a calendar, a dreadful calendar because we can’t answer a question without looking to see what’s next on our agenda,” she noted.
When it comes to hair, preparations are equally important, and Trammell teased that Finglass even comes equipped with several styling options for the day. Finglass acknowledged that she stores “artificial wiglets” among her various backup hairstyles, underlining the meticulous attention to detail behind their glamorous appearances.
The latest season of ‘America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ serves not only to entertain but also to enlighten audiences on the vast array of duties these dedicated individuals undertake. Now streaming on Netflix, the show promises to captivate viewers with its fascinating look into the world of professional cheerleading and the ongoing legacy of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, which has spanned over five decades since its official establishment in 1972.