Shocking Reveals: Miami Dolphins Cheerleader Reveals the Unexpectedly Shocking Amount of Time It Takes to ‘Fluff’ Their …

When you think of NFL cheerleaders, dazzling smiles, energetic dance routines, and sparkling uniforms likely come to mind. But behind the glamor and game-day excitement lies a surprising amount of preparation — especially when it comes to something as seemingly simple as their pom poms. Miami Dolphins cheerleader Bella Denton recently pulled back the curtain on an unexpected and time-consuming aspect of the job in a viral TikTok video: “fluffing” the pom poms.

In the video titled “things you wouldn’t know about being an NFL cheerleader,” Denton revealed that each cheerleader is responsible for maintaining their own pom poms throughout the season. And it’s not just a quick touch-up. According to Denton, it takes her approximately two and a half hours to fluff a single pom pom.

Yes, you read that right — one pom pom can take over two hours to prep. Considering that cheerleaders typically perform with two, that’s upwards of five hours just getting game-day ready props into shape. Denton admitted the process is “so long,” but ultimately “so rewarding because they look so pretty and new” once completed.

This labor-intensive task involves more than just shaking them out. Fellow Miami Dolphins cheerleader Dre DiLorenzo also posted a TikTok video with a full pom-pom fluffing tutorial. She broke down the technique step-by-step after receiving numerous requests from curious fans. DiLorenzo explained that each individual strand has to be separated, tugged, and pulled to create that voluminous, full look seen on the sidelines. She even showed what her poms look like before and after the fluffing process — and the transformation is dramatic.

Denton followed up her original video with her own tutorial, further highlighting just how meticulous the job is. She explained that their team’s pom poms are particularly intricate, featuring various colors — orange, aqua, white, and silver — and multiple layered sections. To keep things organized, she ties off the side she’s not working on with a hair tie before beginning the detailed process of fluffing.

The method, Denton explained, involves holding the bar in the center of the pom and using a repetitive “splitting, tugging, and pulling” motion in opposite directions. This not only fluffs each strand but also ensures they maintain their vibrant and uniform appearance on the field.

For many, it’s an eye-opening reminder that NFL cheerleading is about far more than performing. There’s an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes work, precision, and dedication that goes into every game — right down to the pom poms. While fans may see only a few seconds of sparkling twirls and spirited cheers, it’s clear that hours of preparation, effort, and care go into making it all look effortless.

So next time you’re watching the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders light up the stadium, know that their signature props weren’t just handed to them — they were fluffed, strand by strand, with pride and precision.