<P> National Football League Cheerleading, or simply NFL Cheerleading, is a professional cheerleading organization in the United States . 26 of the 32 NFL teams include a cheerleading squad in their franchise . Cheerleaders are a popular attraction that can give a team more coverage / airtime, popular local support, and increased media image . In 1954, the Baltimore Colts became the first NFL team to have cheerleaders . They were part of the Baltimore Colts Marching Band . </P> <P> Most NFL cheerleading squads are a part - time job . Often, cheerleaders have completed or are attending a university, and continue on to other careers after cheering for one to four seasons . The members participate in practice, training 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 . </P>

What was the first nfl team to have cheerleaders