Pay disparities across different sports leagues and roles have long been a subject of debate, and a recent viral post from Denver Broncos cheerleader Ann-Marie Muscarello has once again brought the issue into focus.
Muscarello recently gave NFL fans a look at the contrast between her weekend and weekday lives through a social media video. her life away from the field includes working as an orthopedic nurse, similar to several other professional cheerleaders who maintain careers in healthcare While she performs as a Broncos cheerleader on game days. Muscarello’s post reignited discussions surrounding the compensation earned by NFL cheerleaders. The series highlighted the demanding double lives led by members of the famous squad, many of whom balance cheerleading with education, full-time jobs and other professional responsibilities while pursuing their dream of performing. NFL cheerleaders are also employed by individual franchises rather than the league itself.
The issue has drawn attention for years, with the Associated Press reporting in 2015 that some NFL cheerleading squads earned less than fast-food workers.
Another fan echoed the sentiment, writing, “With the money the NFL makes, they should pay you more,” another chimed in. Her TikTok followers were equally impressed, with one user writing, “a nurse and NFL cheerleader? damn girl u killing it.”
