Sports
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Hit by Football During Game
ARLINGTON, Texas — A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader was struck by a football during a game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Michelle Siemienowski, a rookie cheerleader, was hit in the back of the head by a kickoff from Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, sending her to the ground momentarily.
The incident occurred during the first half of the game, which was broadcast on Fox. Siemienowski quickly stood up after the hit, with fellow cheerleaders, team staff, and even Commanders punter Tress Way rushing to her aid. Despite the impact, she was seen smiling and nodding to her teammates shortly after, though tears were visible in her eyes.
Commentators on the Fox broadcast expressed concern, with one saying, ‘Ouch,’ as the replay aired. Another added, ‘Hopefully alright. At least she’s smiling. Those k-balls [kicking balls] are no joke!’
After the game, Siemienowski took to Instagram to reassure fans of her condition. ‘I’m alright everyone!’ she wrote alongside a video of the incident, humorously adding, ‘Claiming the motto: cry now, laugh later!’
The kick, which went out of bounds, resulted in a penalty for the Cowboys. It was a rare miss for Aubrey, who has been highly accurate this season. He scored six points in the first half with two field goals, but the Cowboys ultimately lost to the Commanders, 23-19, ending their season with a 7-10 record.
The incident comes during a notable year for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC), following the release of their Netflix docuseries, ‘America’s Sweethearts.’ The series, which premiered in 2024, provided an inside look at the rigorous tryouts and training camp process, as well as the lives of the cheerleaders during the NFL season.
DCC director Kelli Finglass praised the series ahead of its release, saying, ‘The whole show has new access, and you learn things about the cheerleaders that even we didn’t know as their coaches.’ Netflix has since announced a second season, which will follow the 2024-25 squad from auditions through the NFL season.
Despite the on-field mishap, Siemienowski’s resilience and positive attitude have drawn widespread admiration from fans and commentators alike.