If you’ve been lucky enough to attend a live NFL game, you’ve probably noticed there’s a lot more going on during the game than just the guys on the field. NFL teams are constantly trying to increase the value of a purchased ticket by offering all kinds of in-game entertainment.
Mascots:
Most teams in the NFL have an official mascot that runs around the field in costume causing trouble for the other team and entertaining fans in the stands. There are limitations as to what and how a mascot can “poke fun” at the opposing team. The NFL’s self-proclaimed “Greatest Mascot” for the past 14 years is Jacksonville Jaguars’ mascot, Jaxson De Ville. His antics have caused the NFL to implement rules pertaining to conduct on the field by all mascots that include on-field access and proximity to the opposing players. The only teams that don’t have a mascot are the N.Y. Giants, N.Y. Jets, Green Bay Packers, Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams. The reason teams don’t have a mascot usually has to do with team tradition of “not needing sideline antics getting in the way of a football game.”
Cheerleaders:
In 1954, the Baltimore Colts (who are now in Indianapolis) formed the first cheerleading squad. NFL cheerleaders are officially qualified as “part-time jobs,” but every cheerleader is required to hold another job or attend college in addition to a part-time job that requires a substantial commitment of time for practice, camp, games, appearances, photo shoots and charity events.
Apart from their main duties of cheering during the football games, the cheerleaders have many other responsibilities. Nearly every team member is available for appearances at schools, events, conferences, etc., for a set fee. An anticipated annual event is the release of each squad’s calendar, featuring members for each month in swimsuits, lingerie or uniforms. As well as being a mainstay of American football culture, the cheerleaders are one of the biggest entertainment groups to regularly perform for the U.S. Military overseas.
The Logistics of NFL Game Day
And finally, here’s a fun video on what goes into the logistics of an NFL game day:
