During the Commanders Match, a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader is Kicked in the Head and Told to “Cry Now, Laugh Later”
During a high-stakes, emotionally charged NFL game, the Dallas Cowboys faced off against their bitter rivals, the Washington Commanders. What unfolded that day, however, was far more than a typical sports rivalry — it became an incident that would reverberate through the media for days to come. In a dramatic turn of events, a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader was inadvertently kicked in the head by one of the players, triggering a whirlwind of attention. Adding to the shock of the situation was the comment reportedly made to her by a team official: “Cry now, laugh later.”
This article aims to delve deep into the details surrounding the incident, exploring the context, the reactions, the aftermath, and its implications for the culture of the NFL, particularly concerning the role and treatment of cheerleaders.
A High-Energy Atmosphere
To understand the significance of this event, it’s important to first set the stage. The Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders have one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL. The game was played in front of thousands of fans, with the atmosphere brimming with intensity and anticipation. Both teams had their eyes set on a crucial win, with playoff implications at stake.
As with many NFL games, cheerleaders played an integral role in creating a charged and exciting atmosphere. These cheerleaders are athletes in their own right, executing precise and often complex routines while also engaging with the fans in the stands. The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, known for their iconic blue and white uniforms, are especially prominent in the NFL world and have a reputation that extends beyond the sport itself.
For the cheerleaders, the job is demanding and requires sharp coordination and focus. They must be aware of their surroundings, always ensuring that they don’t get too close to players or fall into a dangerous situation. But on this particular day, things went horribly wrong.
The Incident: Kicked in the Head
As the game progressed, the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders continued their routines on the sidelines, dancing and engaging the crowd with their customary energy. However, things took a dramatic turn during a break in the action. A player from the Cowboys, while executing a play near the sideline, inadvertently collided with a cheerleader who was standing just off the field. In a swift and unforeseen moment, the player’s foot struck the cheerleader’s head, knocking her to the ground.
The impact was immediate and shocking. The cheerleader, stunned by the force of the blow, fell to the turf, and her fellow cheerleaders and medical staff rushed to her side. The game continued, but the spotlight quickly shifted to the young woman who had been hurt.
The Aftermath: “Cry Now, Laugh Later”
While it was clear that the cheerleader had been injured, the most shocking part of the incident came in the form of a comment allegedly made by a team official. According to eyewitness accounts, after the cheerleader was helped to her feet and escorted off the field, a staff member, possibly from the Cowboys or the NFL organization, approached her and told her: “Cry now, laugh later.”
The comment, reportedly made in an attempt to reassure the cheerleader and lighten the mood, quickly sparked outrage among fans, the media, and the broader public. To many, it was a shocking and inappropriate remark given the severity of the situation. The cheerleader had just experienced a traumatic injury, and to suggest that she should simply “laugh later” seemed to trivialize her pain and disregard the seriousness of the incident.
The phrase “Cry now, laugh later” — often used to suggest that something painful in the present will eventually become a funny or memorable moment — was perceived as tone-deaf, especially in the context of a professional athlete’s injury. The comment was widely criticized for diminishing the cheerleader’s experience and for reinforcing a culture that often overlooks the well-being of non-playing personnel.
Media Reactions and Public Outcry
The incident quickly became headline news. Sports outlets, entertainment channels, and social media were abuzz with discussions about the cheerleader’s injury and the subsequent remark made by the team official. Many fans expressed their support for the cheerleader and condemned the lack of sensitivity shown by the staff member.
While some defended the comment, suggesting that it was intended to be lighthearted or motivational, the majority of the response was negative. Critics pointed out that the culture surrounding cheerleaders — particularly those in the NFL — often marginalizes their health and safety, focusing instead on their role as performers and “eye candy” for fans. The incident, they argued, was a stark reminder of how cheerleaders are sometimes treated as secondary to the main spectacle of the game, which centers on the players themselves.
Sports analysts weighed in, questioning how cheerleaders are perceived within the NFL culture. Many noted that while cheerleaders may be seen as vital to the entertainment aspect of the sport, their safety and well-being are often not given the same level of attention or priority as the players on the field. In some cases, cheerleaders have reported experiencing unsafe working conditions, including inadequate medical support or a lack of proper protocols for dealing with injuries.
The Response from the Dallas Cowboys
In the wake of the incident, the Dallas Cowboys organization released a statement expressing concern for the cheerleader’s health and well-being. They confirmed that she had been examined by medical professionals and was expected to make a full recovery. The team also stated that they would be reviewing their policies and procedures to ensure the safety of all personnel, including the cheerleaders, during games.
While the Cowboys did not directly address the comment made by the team official, they emphasized their commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all of their employees, both on and off the field. The cheerleader herself, though not publicly named, reportedly expressed gratitude for the support she received from her colleagues and medical staff following the incident.
Despite the team’s public response, the incident continued to raise questions about the broader issue of how cheerleaders are treated in professional sports. Many felt that the Dallas Cowboys missed an opportunity to address the underlying concerns about the treatment of cheerleaders, particularly in light of the problematic comment made by the team staff member.
Implications for the NFL and Cheerleading Culture
The incident involving the Cowboys cheerleader serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and complexities faced by cheerleaders in the NFL. While cheerleaders are often seen as integral to the game-day experience, their role is frequently undervalued, and their safety is sometimes overlooked.
This event has reignited conversations about the culture of professional cheerleading, where physical and mental tolls are often minimized, and the spotlight is squarely focused on the athletes in uniform rather than those on the sidelines. The treatment of cheerleaders in the NFL has long been a topic of discussion, with some pointing to the cheerleading squads as a glaring example of gender and labor issues in the world of professional sports.
There have been ongoing efforts within the cheerleading community to improve conditions for performers. This includes better medical support, more secure working conditions, and greater recognition of the cheerleaders as athletes, rather than mere accessories to the male-dominated world of football. Events like this may ultimately push for more systemic changes within the NFL, as well as a broader societal shift toward treating cheerleaders with the same respect and consideration given to players.
