The Arizona Cardinals cheerleading squad was noticeably absent from their usual sideline spots during Monday night’s primetime matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Glendale. Fans and alumni were quick to voice their frustration after learning that the cheerleaders had been removed from their traditional role, sparking confusion and disappointment throughout the Cardinals community.
According to families and friends of the current cheerleading team, the Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders were removed from the sidelines and only allowed to perform during short breaks in the action. Normally, these cheerleaders energize the crowd for nearly three hours on game day, but this time, their total performance time was limited to around 10-15 minutes.
The sudden change reportedly stemmed from the introduction of new premium seating areas at the stadium, which took over the space where the cheerleaders typically perform. The cheer squad was allegedly informed just four days before the game, leaving little time to adjust.
The decision hit hard for current cheerleaders and Arizona Cardinals cheerleading alumni alike. Former Cardinals cheerleader Kim Denson, who was part of the team in 1994-95 when the Cardinals first moved to Arizona, voiced her disappointment. “We added something different than football—we kept the fans hyped and engaged,” Denson said.
Davis Berryhill, who cheered for the Cardinals from 2017 to 2021, recalled her time on the sidelines as a highlight of game day. “We worked hard, and we kept the crowd’s energy up no matter what. Seeing little girls in the stands was one of the best parts—it was great for them to see women involved in the NFL.”
Fans were quick to notice the absence, and many expressed their frustrations on social media. The Cardinals’ Instagram was hit with comments questioning the decision, and some fans in attendance were equally upset. One mother, who had driven three hours to Glendale, expressed her dismay: “What am I supposed to tell my daughter? Where are the cheerleaders?”
The news didn’t stop with the Cardinals’ fan base. Cheerleaders from other NFL teams and across the country have shown their support for Arizona’s squad, with the hashtag #KeepAZCCOnTheField gaining traction online.
With no official response from the Arizona Cardinals yet, fans and former cheerleaders are eager for answers and hoping the cheerleaders will be restored to their full game-day duties soon. Their presence on the sidelines has been a staple for years, and many feel their absence leaves a noticeable void in the game-day atmosphere.
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