Dee Brock, the founding director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders who helped transform the squad into an international institution, has died. She was 96.
Videos by FanBuzz
The organization announced that Brock died Wednesday. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Current director Kelli Finglass remembered Brock as a visionary whose creativity and leadership helped establish a standard that influenced generations of performers.
"Her influence lives on in every performance, every dream pursued and every woman who has ever worn the uniform with pride," Finglass said.
In loving memory of Dee Brock, our founding director. 💙 We will forever honor her and her legacy. pic.twitter.com/fXhC8ovcVz
— Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (@DCCheerleaders) September 23, 2026
Brock became the squad's first director when it was formed in 1961. According to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' official history, the original group consisted of high school students who performed traditional cheers while leading the crowd.
The organization began incorporating dance elements into its routines in 1965. Seven years later, the Cowboys Cheerleaders introduced their famous uniform featuring white boots, blue shorts, a fringed vest and a midriff-baring top.
That basic design has remained largely unchanged and has become one of the most recognizable uniforms in professional sports.
Brock retired from her position in 1975, but the foundation she created continued to shape both the Cowboys and NFL sideline entertainment. The squad eventually became the subject of television specials, documentaries and the Netflix series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
The organization honored Brock with a lifetime achievement award in 2022, presenting her with a rhinestone-covered football.
"We will forever honor her and her legacy," the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders wrote in announcing her death.
