Buffalo Jill of The Week Alyssa K

This week, we take a look at 2nd year vet Alyssa K as our Buffalo Jill of The Week. Anchoring one end of Emily's line alongside Kayla on gamedays, Alyssa has had a pretty big year since last season. The obvious is that she went from blonde to brunette and I have to admit it's a fantastic look on her. Sometimes, when someone changes hair color, it kind of hurts their looks to some extent. It definitely wasn't the case with Alyssa, though. She's also moved to retail management after previously going after a law degree. She's planning on working her way up to becoming a corporate rep but still is looking to move back to the Big Apple one of these days. When it comes to the Jills though, she got a nice honor a couple of months ago when she was the lone 2nd year vet nominated for a Pro Bowl visit. While she wasn't the final one chosen, it was still an honor and I have a pretty strong hunch that, if she chooses to return in 2014, she could be named captain. With captains Christina, Lisa, and Emily all retiring and Lindsey having left the squad early in the season, the only dance captains who might still be returning are Melissa and Jenny, who served as co-captains in 2013. That leaves 4 spots to fill and I think Alyssa would be an excellent choice to take the one open captain's spot. You can see all of Alyssa's pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalojills.shutterfly.com/jillsindividualpics/56323 Alyssa's secondary pic comes from the Chiefs game. In a photo taken at the start of the 2nd quarter when Emily's line was changing sections, we see Kayla and Alyssa K.

Response to a cheerleader article on CNN.com by Alyssa K

About a month ago, a link to CNN.com's article "NFL cheerleaders: Gratuitous sexism or all-American fun?" appeared in my inbox. The intense headline got the best of me, so I clicked, and read through a pretty harsh judgment that I was not entirely prepared for. Throughout this piece, Joanne Gerstner, Professor of media & sports at the University of Michigan and past president of the Association for Women in Sports Media, delivered a colorful opinion on not only the act of being an NFL Cheerleader, but on the women themselves. She states, "When the whole essence of your job is basically hanging out in a tiny bikini and a bandeau top, it kind of undercuts the rest of your argument that you are a well-rounded person"...Ouch. 

Now perhaps I am being a bit biased. I am an NFL cheerleader for the Buffalo Bills, and when you get thrown into this world, you learn very quickly that this "job" is much more than the few seconds of winks and ruffling Pom-Poms seen before commercials on ESPN. Sure, the uniform and the hair and the glam are all things that come to mind with the term "NFL Cheerleader," but most wouldn't also equate the words dedicated, charitable, and well-rounded, unless you're lucky enough to really know some of the amazing women who hold the title. Just like the athletes we cheer for, we are out in the community using our pedestal to make a difference. Whether it is bringing some publicity to a December toy drive at 6 AM, collecting prom dresses to donate to local schools, teaching young girls how to dance with confidence, visiting hospitals, or traveling to troops overseas, the list goes on and on...without getting paid I'd might add. We do these things as volunteers; to give back to the community we love, while balancing full time jobs, studies, families and friends. That means a lot of early mornings and late nights, but we are always out there with a permanent smile, trying to make a difference. We might bring a bit if glitz and excitement to an event, but that does not make our time and effort any less significant. 

So, when I read the aforementioned quote about the "essence" of this "job," I instantly thought that what I do isn't a job, it's a privilege, and even if it was, my uniform is definitely not the essence of it. What is seen on the field is such a small part of what we do, and if our purpose is based on dancing in skimpy attire, fans definitely wouldn't be seeing the Buffalo Jills and many other teams post September! We are outside in sun, rain, and in our case, snow, supporting the team and keeping the fans excited about the game, no matter the score. We are committed to practice days, game days, and 30+ hours of various appearances during one season, including charities, benefits, and meeting with children. 

Ms. Gerstner poses the question "if cheerleaders are necessary, why are there no cheerleaders in any women's sports?" It is clear that cheerleaders are not necessary, proven that only 26 of 32 NFL teams include a cheerleading squad in their franchise. But, in response to the question, I'd say that if women's sports had the same funding and sponsorships and publicity as the NFL does today, perhaps there would be quite a few cheer squads for them as well. I can speak for myself, and for many teammates who would cheer just as loudly to support other women, as we do for men. Until then, this is an opportunity as dancers, performers, and community volunteers to take our talents and passions to the next level, to reach more people, and to learn how to be better spoken, and better poised young women overall. On the surface it may not look like a tough gig, but it takes a strong woman to wear our boots. 

Alyssa K
2nd year vet 
Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders "The Jills" 

Buffalo Jill of The Week Alyssa K

This week, we take a look at blonde beauty Alyssa K as our Buffalo Jill of The Week. Spending her rookie season dancing between Christina and Loren on Christina's line, Alyssa is originally from Long Island and is working towards becoming a lawyer. Unlike the last future lawyer on the Jills, Alyssa does plan to stay in the country after she finishes her schooling but she is still leaning towards moving back towards home to NYC. Nothing is set in stone on that though and as she's still got some time to go in law school. there's plenty of time to change her mind. Between the cost of living, the people, the memories, and the fact that pizza, her favorite food, from Buffalo is the best around, she has plenty to get her thinking about staying. Plus when you consider how much she enjoys the excitement of football games, Buffalo far surpasses what you'll find in NYC. You can read more about Alyssa in the files section of the webgroup (registration required). Alyssa's secondary photo comes from the Bills' preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is a photo taken while the Jills were forming Stampede Row. In front, we see Lindsey C, Alyssa K, and Kayla while Kelsey H, Nicole S, and Myesha are behind them.

Lindsey C, Kelsey H, Alyssa K, Nicole S, Kayla, and Myesha

Meet Alyssa in this short video with commentary from Jills choreographer Kelli Wagner.

Check out Alyssa's dance moves in this video from last year's 1st cuts.

From the Bandettes comes a photo from the 2nd home game against the Philadelphia Wings held at the start of March. Kirsten's line was greeting fans as they came up the escalators to the 100 level. In this picture, one of the fans is posing with some of the girls. Of course this isn't a regular fan but 3-year Bandettes alum Jessica H. Shown posing are Danielle, Brianna A, Jessica H, Chelsea, and Lauren K.

Danielle, Brianna A, Jessica H, Chelsea, and Lauren K

Don't forget to visit the main page of the Buffalo Pro Cheer Blog to donate to one of the Jills alumni participating in the 5th Annual Blondes Vs Brunettes football game!