Forgive me for this lengthy read, but I’m writing this because I want to get it off my chest, really – in the middle of the night, no less. I’ll preface my “essay” by letting you know I am by no means a writer, but I am an individual with the need to express my thoughts. After seeing other news stories, sound bytes, posts, pictures, and opinions, I feel I MUST add my two cents to this subject…
I’ve been toiling with my thoughts over the recent headlines involving the NFL Buffalo Jills, an organization I had the pleasure of being a part of. After a conversation with my Dad the other day (he was concerned for what I may have gone through during my time with them), it got me thinking… The lawsuit states the Jills “were not paid the mandatory minimum wage..for all the hours they worked on game days and at community events, which numbered 20-35 a year. Including game performances, practices, rehearsals and appearances. Each Jill worked about 840 unpaid hours per year… on top of that, they have to pay $650 for their uniforms and are not reimbursed for travel or other expenses.” Crazy, right? Can we add driving to and from during full-blown blizzards? Hello, black ice and white outs? Layering ourselves in about 50 shirts and sweaters under our uniforms on the field in December? Oh man… that was nuts, but it was awesome!
Being an NFL cheerleader is no small feat. It comes with its own bag of good and not so good… let alone the fact (the label?) of being a “professional” cheerleader! Looking back – way back – and in general, I do feel all NFL cheerleaders should have been and now be compensated for their time and efforts, as they are more than deserving of adequate monetary compensation, not to mention be treated with dignity and respect. These women were/are strong, hard-working, accomplished, courageous, confident, smart, committed, devoted, and passionate professionals.
When I joined the Buffalo Jills, I was 23, a single mom of a 1 1/2 yr old, working and going to school full-time. And I hadn’t been the only one on my team in the same situation. So given my own circumstances, I probably should have asked myself the question, “How much am I going to make doing this?” or “Will I make anything for doing this?” But, I didn’t ask. During my audition process, I hadn’t told anyone I was trying out – none of my friends, not even my parents. And when I finally did tell them 1) they didn’t believe me, 2) they looked at me like I was crazy and 3) said, “so this is what you’ve been doing and why you’ve been late?!” I’d done it strictly solo, by myself, for myself – for the challenge – could I really become an NFL cheerleader? Go from the living room to the sidelines? And I did. I became a part of the Buffalo Jills for two seasons (having left early during my 2nd year). While my time with them was short-lived, it was a tough and insane commitment. It was hard, challenging, thrilling, tiring, exciting, dramatic, grueling, but most of all – REWARDING. There has been nothing like it that I’ve participated in. I met some amazing women and people during those two seasons and have carried with me a great experience and many memories since. I always enjoy reconnecting and seeing former teammates – what they’re doing, how they’ve been, where they are in their lives, and I enjoy catching up with them and telling them what I’ve been up to and where my life has taken me. Never did I feel mistreated or taken advantage of.
It’s tough to say that these women involved in this lawsuit shouldn’t stand up for what they feel they deserve. I did not cheer with them, nor am I acquainted with them or did I experience their challenges. It’s unfortunate, as it seems, that perhaps they weren’t fully able to take away from the organization what I and many of us have been able to experience.
As a result of this lawsuit, the Buffalo Jills 2014-2015 season has now been halted indefinitely – for that, I’m disappointed. These young ladies worked hard and looked forward to their time to shine – their “forever” moments. I also feel bad for the rookies who may not get to experience their first home game in September – my most memorable part of being a Jill, waiting in the tunnel to run onto the field only to be greeted by 80,000 people in the stands, screaming, cheering – I feel for them. That alone was worth more than anything monetary. My hope is that it all works out – positively, productively – for all parties involved. I am a positive thinker – it should and will all work out! Come September, hopefully we are able to see some pom-poms and boots, in all their glory… in BILLS COUNTRY!
[by Kate Johnson – Proud Former Buffalo Jill 1999 – 2001]
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