Flashback: Our Favorite NFL Cheerleaders

By Michael Lopez

Super Bowl XLV followers were rocked with devastating news this week: Neither of the NFL teams headed to big game have a cheerleading squad! Green Bay Packers fans wear those big pieces of cheese on their heads, but there won't be any pom-poms or pyramid formations. And Pittsburgh’s legendary Steelerettes haven’t stepped onto the field since the 1970s.

We’re hopeful that Fergie can pick up some of the slack with her trademark moves during the halftime show, but there really is no substitute for choreographed cheers after a winning touchdown. Cheerleaders have been an integral part of the league since its inception (though only 26 of the 32 teams have a squad). That’s why, in honor of the season closer, we thought we’d list a few of our favorite former pom-pom girls:

Sarah Shahi: Known for their gorgeous looks and intricate routines (and now a reality series), the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are the pinnacle of NFL cheerleading squads. Sarah Shahi cheered for them in the late 1990s and even appeared in their annual calendar. Since transitioning into acting, the Persian-Spanish actress has starred on The L Word, Life, The Sopranos and now her own series on the USA Network called Fairly Legal.

Lisa Guerrero: Yes, this gorgeous half-Chilean sports reporter was once a cheerleader with the Los Angeles Rams. For four years during the 1980s, Lisa pumped up the crowd at California’s Anaheim Stadium, chanting such memorable phrases as “Ram It!” Five years after her stint, the team moved to St. Louis and she moved to The Best Damn Sports Show Period on Fox.

Anjelah Johnson: Known more for her quick wit than her high kicks, Mexican-American (and Native American) comedienne Anjelah Johnson started her career as an Oakland Raiderette. And being on the squad in the early 2000s meant she got to dance at Super Bowl XXXVII when the Raiders took on the Buccaneers. Since then, Anjelah’s been seen on MADtv, Lopez Tonight and Ugly Betty.

Apollonia Kotero: Anyone who grew up in the 1980s should remember Apollonia. She was a pop icon, a Prince protégé and an in-demand actress. But before Purple Rain, this Mexican-American beauty cheered on the Los Angeles Rams. Although she cheered for the Rams a bit earlier than Lisa Guerrero, she was one of the squad’s major standouts. Shortly after donning the blue and gold skirt, she nabbed roles on such shows as Fantasy Island and CHiPs.

What is your favorite cheerleading squad? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Anjelah Johnson, Apollonia, Apollonia Kotero, Celebrities, Cheerleaders, Lisa Guerrero, NFL, Sarah Shahi, Sports, Super Bowl