55-year-old Sharon Simmons
Whereas traditionally cheerleading has been a young woman's game, over the last year we've sort of seen the landscape change up a bit. On both fronts.
Just a few months ago we saw not one, but two different men competing to become NFL cheerleaders. And this past Sunday, 55-year-old Sharon Simmons continued to push the bounds of traditional cheerleading when she threw her hat (presumably a cowboy hat) into the ring, competing against hundreds of other women also hoping to earn a place on Dallas' most exclusive cheerleading unit.
So, was the grandmother of two intimidated going against women half her age? Not even a little.
"I'm 55. And in May, around the competition, I'll be 56," Simmons said back in February (via CBS). "On stage, I blend right in with women in their 20s, 30s and up."
When Simmons first announced her intention to do what she's doing, reporters asked whether there was a physical difference between her body and the bodies of the other participants.
"Absolutely no difference," she replied.
So, how are Simmons' chances of making the squad looking? Check it out for yourselves in the video below:
If Simmons makes the cut, she'll officially be the oldest cheerleader in the league. Currently, that honor belongs to Cincinnati Bengals superstar, 43-year-old Laura Vikmanis.
She DEFINITELY qualifies!