The Netflix show America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become part of the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
At the center of the series is Kelli Finglass, the team’s longtime director, who isn’t just tough, but she’s also one of the most supportive and knowledgeable mentors on reality TV.
And she knows exactly what they’re going through as she was a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader herself back in the 1980s.
She discovered her passion for dance at a young age and continued to pursue it through her college years.
While studying at the University of North Texas, she happened to hear a radio ad in the spring of 1984 about tryouts for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Out of curiosity and a desire to gain experience, she decided to audition, a choice that would shape the rest of her career.
Marriage, Motherhood, And Milestones: Inside Kelli Finglass’s Family Life
In 2023, Kelli Finglass celebrated 27 years of marriage with her husband, Joel.
She shared old wedding photos and expressed her gratitude for their life together.
Joel keeps a low profile and works independently in Coppell, Texas. Though he stays mostly out of the spotlight, he’s been a constant support in Kelli’s life as she’s led the cheerleading team.
The couple has two children- a daughter named Samantha and a son named Ryan.
Samantha works in branding and communications at a golf club in Fort Worth.
She studied at Texas A&M University and later earned a master’s degree from the University of Washington.
In June 2024, she got married to John McKean, and the family celebrated the big day together.
On Mother’s Day, Kelli Finglass’s daughter took to Instagram to post a heartfelt message celebrating their close bond.
She thanked her mom for showing her what it means to be a strong and loving woman, and shared how lucky she feels to have been raised by her.
Happy Mother’s Day to my best friend! Thank you for teaching me the joys and beauty of being a woman. You’re a mother figure to many, but I’m the luckiest daughter in the world to be the only one raised by you! You taught me how to be a fiercely loyal friend, to acknowledge when I’ve made mistakes and grow from them, and to celebrate the every day. You might not be my emergency contact anymore, but you’ll always be the best mom and friend I could’ve ever dreamt of! I love you!
Samantha Finglass
Ryan, their son, is a financial advisor in Texas. He also went to Texas A&M and has been in a long-term relationship with Amanda Brunak.
Kelli often shares proud family moments on her social media, showcasing her close relationship with her kids and the importance her family holds for her.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- She worked as an executive producer on the original show, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, which aired on CMT.
- Even earlier, in 2000, she appeared briefly as herself in the film Dr. T and the Women alongside actress Kate Hudson.
