The Krewe spills the tea on stereotypes, hard work, and what it takes to make the field.
New Orleans Saints Cheer Krewe
"Many think the Saints Cheer Krewe's job is just to show up on game day and look pretty," says Sara Anderson, Director of Entertainment Teams. "Most people don't know how much the Krewe put into this team, how much I ask, the time commitment, and all the external activities: charity appearances, public and private events, even getting them out to the fans in Champions Square before the game until kickoff."
Keeping It Real
Saints Cheer Krewe members Jade Taylor, Sarah Wolfe, and Lakyn Ward agree that inaccurate stereotypes persist and want to set the record straight.
"People think we aren't super professional or intelligent," Taylor says. "We have doctors, STEM teachers, educators, nurses, and Carter [Healthcare] nurse educators cheering."
"I'm asked, 'Is that your only job?'" says Wolfe. "No. We have a variety of jobs and professions. People don't understand the time commitment and time management required juggling jobs, family, friends."
Balancing Act
More than the time commitment, maintaining their skills is a top priority. Anderson—called "Mother" by the Krewe members—lives up to her nickname with tough love leading her team members. "We are not looking for a certain number of blondes, brunettes, or body types. We want athleticism and professionalism."
The 2023 roster includes ages from 18 to the mid-30s. And the "Krewe members sign up for certain expectations" that Anderson and the Krewe coaches set.
"It's about balancing real adult life and enjoying your passion," says Ward.
Alexis Moran adds, "Diversity in the color skin, shape, and size of the members moves far away from the superficial."
Going Pro
The Saints Cheer Krewe talent comes also from various origins, with unusual connections.
"I did gymnastics off and on in high school," Taylor explains. "I tried out for competitive cheer at LSU but didn't make it. If I had, I would not be on this Krewe. God works it all out."
Mississippi native Tyler Simmons moved to Louisiana to cheer, spying an ad calling for male NFL cheerleaders. "I said, 'I'm gonna go for it,'" Simmons recalls.
Celebrating in Champions Square before a Saints game, Dylan Avery saw the Saints Cheer Krewe perform. A former cheerleader at Florida State University, Avery was excited to see there were males on a professional NFL cheer team. "I was shocked thinking, that's a thing?" he laughs. He approached the closest one—Tyler Simmons—and asked, "How do I do this?" The rest is his-story.
"The very first team years and years and years ago was a co-ed cheer and dance team," Anderson extolls. With a "clear vision from day one," males were reintroduced into the Cheer Krewe.
Saints Cheer Krewe: Respecting the brand
A former dancer for the Pelicans basket-ball team, Anderson was tapped to lead the Saints Cheer Krewe when it was formed in 2021, evolving the all-dance Saintsations into one combined cheer/dance team.
"I had a moment of panic. I'm a dancer, not a cheerleader," she admits. "But I was an LSU Tiger girl and loved watching cheer. I took my knowledge to mesh different sports. Once we rebranded Saints Cheer Krewe, I immediately set out to find ways to make them one. A huge part of what we do is to best represent the Saints brand."
