Detroit Lions Add Cheerleaders for 2016 Season

The Detroit Lions were one of only 6 teams in the NFL without an official cheerleading squad - until today, as the Lions has announced plans to add cheerleaders at Ford Field for the 2016 season.

According to the team,

“The Ford Family is unwavering in their commitment to improving the Detroit Lions fan experience on and off the field,” said Detroit Lions Team President Rod Wood. “After thorough consideration and receiving input from our fans through season ticket member surveys and focus groups, we believe that this is an opportunity to elevate our game day entertainment.”

The team’s cheerleaders will perform choreographed dances and cheers as an integral part of the in-game entertainment. The squad will also have a presence in the community, appearing at various media, fan and sponsorship events.

Other NFL teams that do not have cheer-leading squads are the Buffalo Bills (who recently parted ways with their squad the Buffalo Jills after a salary dispute), Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even though the Lions are adding official cheerleaders, that's not to say the team didn't have cheerleaders. Detroit Pride has been the team's unofficial cheerleaders since 2010.

Tryouts for the squad begin June 25 at Ford Field.