Eagles cheerleaders ready for Birds to fly high at season opener
As the game day excitement continues to build in the City of Brotherly Love, there's one squad that never fails to ignite the crowd and elevate the atmosphere: the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders. Known for their infectious energy and deep-rooted community involvement, they are more than just entertainers. They are the heartbeat of game day.
From the outfits, the smiles and the routines, the electricity in Lincoln Financial Field is undeniable.
"You can really feel the electricity throughout the stadium down there," cheerleader Mieka Cobbs said.
That energy is matched by the love exchanged between the squad and the fans.
"You can feel the love from the fans, and we love them back," Cobbs said. "It's so amazing."
What fans see on the field is only part of the story. Behind the scenes, these performers dedicate countless hours to practicing their craft.
"We put in so much work," captain Taylor Sparks said.
Fellow cheerleader Ashton Dobson added, "We have put in a lot of hours to be ready for tonight's game."
Their commitment extends far beyond the stadium. The squad is involved in community service, supporting causes like the Eagles Autism Foundation and hosting all-abilities clinics. They are also professionals pursuing careers.
"We have therapists, dental students, law students," Cobbs said.
Dobson added, "I think it's really special that we get to pursue this dream of cheering in the NFL and for the Philadelphia Eagles and not having to put our careers on hold."
Their dual roles as brand ambassadors and role models are evident in every performance and public appearance.
Cheerleader Erin Nipps reflected on the thrill of representing the team, "to be able to go to our full-time careers as nine-to-fives and going to my work as a public health program analyst and then being able to go to Lincoln Financial Field and perform for over 70,000 fans is nothing short of electric."
For some, cheering for the Eagles is a lifelong dream fulfilled.
"Being able to be home, watching the birds my entire life as a little girl, and then now being at the Lincoln Financial Field performing alongside 31 other amazing, talented individuals is amazing," Nipps said.
For others, it's the team's community spirit that drew them in.
"One thing that really drew me here is the community service and the community outreach here in Philly," Cobbs said.
Regardless of how they arrived, their passion for the Eagles runs deep.
"The stadium literally roars," Dobson said. "And I just cannot wait to be in that energy and in that atmosphere."
And as Sparks put it, "It's not every day that you get to be at the home opener, at the Linc, playing the Cowboys with the Super Bowl banner dropping."
Chandler Lutz has always had a passion for storytelling and learning about others. Her career started at a young age in entertainment. Recording her first album at 16 years old, co-starring in independent films and hosting nationwide charity events. It wasn't until college that Chandler found broadcasting journalism and her love for a different camera lens that allowed her to be herself.
