**Megan McElaney Bids Farewell to Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders After Five Memorable Seasons**
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Megan McElaney has officially stepped down from her role as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader (DCC) after an impressive five seasons. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter, as she finishes her tenure with the team following the conclusion of the 2025-26 National Football League season. McElaney’s journey with the cheer squad has captivated audiences, especially through her appearances in the docuseries “America’s Sweethearts.”
Announcing her retirement, McElaney hinted at her decision on social media. In a heartfelt post on Instagram in July 2025, she reflected on her time with DCC, saying, “The end is near, and so I face the final curtain. Cheers to making my dream team for my fifth season! Couldn’t be more grateful to do it alongside my best friends!” The emotional tone of her message resonated with fans and followers, highlighting the significance of her experience.
Throughout her time with the DCC, McElaney featured prominently in both “America’s Sweethearts” and “Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.” In the finale of the third season, she expressed her dedication to the role, telling coaches Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell that she had poured her heart into her final season. “Knowing it was going to be my last year, I just wanted to give you guys everything that you deserved,” she revealed, before returning her uniform in a poignant farewell.
McElaney initially joined the DCC in 2021, driven by her passion for dance and a desire to continue her artistic journey after university. On her LinkedIn profile, she candidly stated that she “had to go big” and that her time with the team allowed her to embark on a new path. During her tenure, she gained valuable experiences and underwent personal growth, as noted in an interview with San Diego State University Alumni. “Everything I had worked for my entire life led me to that moment,” she shared in February 2025, reflecting on the opportunities that opened for her through cheerleading.
While starring in the docuseries, McElaney also faced personal challenges, including the dissolution of her long-term relationship with boyfriend Alex Blaszyk. In the season three finale, she discussed the toll that her demanding cheerleading schedule took on their partnership, stating, “I felt that I wasn’t there enough for him.” This revelation offered viewers a glimpse into the complexities of balancing personal life with the rigorous demands of professional cheerleading.
Looking ahead, McElaney had previously expressed her intention to fight for a better salary, which ultimately led to a substantial pay increase for the team members in the 2025-2026 season. Just before her departure, she confirmed her plans to return for one last season. Typically, cheerleaders remain with the DCC for three to five years, although some choose to stay longer. McElaney’s decision to retire after five seasons aligns with this trend.
Since her retirement, McElaney has embraced new opportunities. In May 2026, she launched the “Side Kicks Podcast” alongside her brother, Sean McElaney, who is a professional dancer at Radio City Music Hall. The podcast serves as a platform for the siblings to reflect on their career journeys, sharing personal anecdotes and insights into the entertainment industry.
In addition to her podcast venture, McElaney has also pursued a career in marketing and bridal makeup artistry. She resigned from her marketing position at a financial firm in 2025, as indicated on her LinkedIn profile, opening up new avenues for professional growth.
As Megan McElaney transitions into this exciting new phase of her life, her journey serves as an inspiration to many young dancers and aspiring cheerleaders. Following her successful tenure with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, she is poised to write the next chapter of her story, one filled with fresh prospects and personal fulfilment.