NFL Cheerleaders get Super Bowl Rings if the team owner decides it. Some teams do award the cheerleaders while some don’t.
Some team owners understand the hardships and give the rings, while others only distribute them to the coaches and the team staff.
Cheerleaders in recent years have evolved way too much. They have gone from simple chants that appreciated the great plays to highly sophisticated and well-choreographed dance moves.
But despite their efforts in the field, cheerleaders are long denied recognition when it comes to the rings.
Cheerleaders And The Super Bowl Rings
Teams like the Patriots and Ravens gave the super bowl rings to their cheerleaders.
Cheerleaders are not new to the game of football as they have been present from the early days of football. During the mid-90s, college cheerleaders often traveled with the team to away games, but in the NFL, Baltimore Colts introduced the beauties to the game in 1954.
Today, cheerleading has been an integral part of the game. They are undoubtedly the big segments for a game day experience and fan entertainment. During various community events, cheerleaders represent the team in the community.
The rings are guaranteed to players, coaches, and other team staff, and as of 2020, even the practice squad was assured of the jewelry. But, the Cheerleaders have to be at the mercy of the owners to receive the prestige rings.
The debate on Cheerleaders and Super Bowl Rings
Whether the cheerleaders should or shouldn’t get the ring is the topic of a huge debate among fans. Some are in favor of giving the rings, while others are in favor of not handing out the rings.
Talking about the people who support the cause, they claim that cheerleaders are import part of the team and deserve the same recognition as coaches and players. They further add that cheerleaders spend an equal amount of time in preparation for dance moves during a game and are a huge part of the team’s image and branding.
On the other hand, the people who are against the cause say that the prestigious rings should be distributed according to the gameplay in the field.
They also point out that cheerleaders are not considered part of the team in the same way as players and coaches and that giving them rings would set a precedent that could lead to other non-playing personnel also expecting rings.
Some Team Policies
There is a history of some teams giving away their cheerleaders a super bowl ring.
Some of those events are :
- In 2015 and 2017 when New England Patriots won the Super Bowl they gave out a pendant and a super bowl ring to the cheerleaders.
- In 2016 Denver Broncos gave away Rings to was in the organization at that time.
- In 2013 the cheerleaders of the Baltimore Ravens bought their own when Ravens won the super bowl.
Who Pays For The Super Bowl Rings ?
The team owner bears most of the cost of the Super Bowl Rings. NFL reimburses an amount of $5000 to $7000 on each ring up to 150 rings.
Winning the Super Bowl is a huge accomplishment in every player’s career. The Super Bowl Ring adds icing to the cake on the already-won championships.
Every year the tender to make the super bowl rings is opened, and companies bid for the right to produce the football’s most prized asset. Jostens, producing high school yearbooks, has won the bid 37 times.
Apart from Jostens, Balfour and Tiffany’s & Co. have also won the bid to produce the Super Bowl Rings. Tiffany’s, on the hand, is also the only producer of the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Coming back to the ring, after the bid takes place, the owner initially pays the full price of the rings. And later on, NFL reimburses a certain amount back to the owner.
According to some estimates, the ring’s price can go from 30000 dollars to 50,000 dollars. Each year the owners outdo the previous owners. If the bidder is in the market, the price can go up to 100,000 dollars.
Super Bowl rings are typically made of gold and contain diamonds. They are usually designed to be quite large and flashy, as they are intended to symbolize the team’s success and a coveted prize for the players and coaches who win them.
Some teams add other materials, such as precious gems or colored stones, to the rings to make them more unique and personalized.
While the Super Bowl rings cost is not insignificant, it is a small price for the players, coaches, and staff who have worked so hard to achieve the ultimate goal in professional football. The Super Bowl rings are a lasting reminder of their achievement and the hard work and dedication that went into winning the championship.
All 53 players, coaches, and team executives receive the super bowl ring. Even the practice squad players are guaranteed a ring, but if the owners want, the rings for the practice squad can be of a lesser value.