For fans watching from the stands or tuning in on TV, the glittering pom poms used by NFL cheerleaders are often taken for granted—just another colorful, sparkly element of the game-day experience. But behind the vibrant energy and precise routines of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders lies a surprisingly meticulous process, particularly when it comes to preparing their most iconic accessory: the pom poms.
One cheerleader recently peeled back the curtain on what it really takes to get those pom poms game-day ready, revealing an unexpectedly shocking truth—it can take up to four hours to properly fluff a single pair. While that number might sound exaggerated to the average fan, within the cheerleading community, it’s well-known that proper pom maintenance is a time-intensive ritual. And yes, it’s something the cheerleaders often have to do themselves.
The “fluffing” process isn’t just about shaking them out. When pom poms are new, they’re tightly packed, with hundreds of pieces of thin, metallic plastic strands stuck together in tight bunches. These strands need to be manually separated and teased apart, often strand by strand, to create the voluminous, full-bodied look that sparkles under stadium lights. Any shortcut can leave the poms looking flat, tangled, or lackluster—not exactly the impression you want when you’re performing in front of tens of thousands of fans.
Most Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders are issued multiple pairs of pom poms each season, and the initial fluffing process is usually done at the start of training camp. But keeping them looking sharp isn’t a one-time thing. Cheerleaders have to regularly re-fluff, reshape, and sometimes trim stray strands to maintain that perfect, uniform look. Between rehearsals, games, and community events, the poms get a lot of use—and abuse—which adds up to even more prep time throughout the year.
The cheerleader who shared this surprising behind-the-scenes detail noted that many new team members are shocked to learn how much time they’ll spend on pom maintenance, joking that it’s basically “a part-time job in itself.” Despite the time commitment, she said the effort is worth it. When stepping onto the field, everything—from hair and makeup to uniforms and pom poms—has to be flawless, because the squad is representing not only themselves but also the team and the brand.
Beyond aesthetics, there’s a practical component too. A well-fluffed pom offers better grip, more movement, and greater visual impact during routines. When the entire squad has poms that are equally fluffed and shaped, the result is a visually stunning cohesion, especially during high-energy performances where every detail counts.
The revelation sparked a wave of appreciation on social media, with fans expressing awe at the dedication and behind-the-scenes work that goes into cheerleading. For many, it served as a reminder that NFL cheerleaders aren’t just smiling faces on the sidelines—they’re highly trained athletes, dancers, ambassadors, and yes, even part-time pom stylists.
Ultimately, this insight into the unseen world of pom maintenance reinforces a broader truth: what looks effortless on the field is often the result of hours—if not days—of preparation and commitment. From rigorous rehearsals to the painstaking fluffing of pom poms, the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders exemplify the discipline and attention to detail that defines professional cheerleading at the highest level.
