To most, the life of a professional NFL cheerleader might seem glamorous. It might even seem easy. But the reality is that it is just as competitive as professional sports in general. Dancers and cheerleaders must be at a peak physical condition at all times. A fluctuation of even a few pounds can make or break a cheerleader in the middle of a season. An unflattering photo or rumor can also mean a pink slip.

All of this for less than $100 a game, in most cases.

It had been her dream to be a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader since she learned there was such a thing. Her father was a deeply dedicated Cowboys fan and her family spent many weekend afternoons together immersed in Cowboys games. Even Thanksgiving was about more than turkey and cranberry sauce - it was about the Cowboys.

Her bedroom was a tribute to her dream. Each year the new squad's poster would hang above her bed. Every restricted meal, every work out, every dance class - every day of her life revolved around becoming a DCC.

Finally, it was her turn. She was 18 and a senior in high school; she was eligible to audition at Texas stadium.

Her heart raced as she signed her name and picked up her audition packet at the registration table. The air was tense and thick with hairspray. She passed girls much leaner, tanner, and blonder than her. It became painfully clear that ten years of training may not have been enough. Though her talent may be enough, her hair might not be big enough or her teeth not white enough.

She sailed through the first cut with ease, moving on to the choreography round where she would be grouped with a few hundred semi-finalists to learn actual DCC choreography INSIDE Texas Stadium. On the actual turf! She didn't want to forget a second of the experience.

As she came through the entrance tunnel the sheer size of the stadium stole her breath. She could literally hear the screams of fans that would soon fill the thousands of seats that surrounded her. She took her spot at center field and bent down to feel the turf. She closed her eyes and combed her fingers through the plastic blades.