The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) are no strangers to the spotlight, but this summer, it’s not just their iconic blue-and-white uniforms or electrifying game-day routines making waves. Instead, a sweet, sorority-style tradition known as the “Boot Buddy” reveal has taken TikTok—and fans’ hearts—by storm.

A Tradition Goes Viral

It’s hard to scroll through TikTok these days without catching a glimpse of DCC veterans and rookie hopefuls exchanging hugs, laughter, and a few happy tears as they unveil their Boot Buddies. The viral videos, brimming with excitement and camaraderie, have sparked curiosity from fans everywhere: What exactly is a Boot Buddy, and why does it matter so much?

Kleine Powell, a DCC veteran who first joined the squad in 2021, took to social media to break it down. “A Boot Buddy is basically the DCC version of a sorority Big-Little,” she explained in a July 2024 TikTok video. “It’s a secret at first, which makes the reveal so special.”

The Big Reveal—And Even Bigger Emotions

The Boot Buddy tradition comes to life each year during the fourth and final stage of the DCC audition process: training camp. Both rookie and veteran candidates are on edge, knowing that cuts can still happen at this point. But amid the pressure, Boot Buddy reveals offer a moment of pure joy.

Before practice, veterans set out personalized gifts and handwritten notes filled with playful clues to help their rookie partners guess their identity. Powell shared, “We got to set out little gifts that we had made and write notes with clues in them to see if they could try and guess who we are before we did the whole reveal.”

In one viral clip, rookie candidates Trinity and Kayla G. open their gift bags, read their cards, and puzzle over clues like, “we are the best of the Midwest.” After donning custom outfits from their bags, they close their eyes as the veterans line up behind them. When the rookies turn around, the room erupts in cheers as they meet their Boot Buddies for the very first time.

More Than Just a Pairing

Longtime DCC Director Kelli Finglass, who has led the squad since 1991, explained the meaning behind the tradition in a previously aired clip from CMT’s Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. “Boot Buddies are like a big sister, like maybe in a sorority or a group, where you have somebody that has some experience that can help the rookie,” she said. “They are there to kind of help relieve anxieties, answer questions… all the little questions that they’re afraid to ask a staff member. And to encourage them.”

It’s a tradition rooted in support and mentorship—veterans guiding rookies through the high-stakes, high-energy world of DCC. The experience is rewarding for both sides: rookies gain a trusted confidante, while veterans find fulfillment in paying forward the support they once received.

Debunking the Myths

Despite the playful name, “Boot Buddy” isn’t about matching shoe sizes or footwear at all. DCC veteran Charly Barby, who joined the team in the 2024-2025 season, cleared up the confusion on TikTok. “A boot buddy is like a big/little in a sorority!! Nothing to do with boot size haha but that would be super cute!” she wrote in response to a fan’s question.

Boot Buddies can even form groupings, not just pairs. This year, Barby’s Boot Buddies include rookie Morgan Perschy and veterans Lea Tunnell and Abby Summers. “My grouping is similar to the one I had when I auditioned my rookie year,” she shared. For many cheerleaders, these Boot Buddy “families” become a cherished part of their DCC journey, lasting far beyond the audition process.

Behind the Scenes: Netflix and Newfound Fame

The Boot Buddy tradition is just one of the many rituals featured in America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the hit Netflix docuseries now in its second season. The show has given fans an unprecedented look at the dedication, discipline, and heart that go into earning—and keeping—a spot on the world’s most famous cheerleading squad.

The series also highlights the squad’s growth and evolution. This year, DCC veterans made headlines for banding together to negotiate a much-needed pay raise, resulting in a “life-changing” 400% salary increase for the upcoming 2025-26 season. It’s a testament to the power of unity—on and off the field.

Community, Camaraderie, and the Power of Tradition

For the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the Boot Buddy ritual is more than just a fun reveal—it’s a lifeline. In a high-pressure environment where perfection is the standard, having a trusted mentor can make all the difference. “They are there to help relieve anxieties, answer questions, and encourage them,” Finglass emphasized.

And for the fans, these behind-the-scenes moments offer a glimpse into the real lives—and real friendships—of America’s Sweethearts. The viral TikTok videos, filled with laughter, hugs, and happy tears, remind us that even in the most competitive arenas, kindness and camaraderie are what truly shine.

Fans Can’t Get Enough

The response online has been overwhelming. TikTok and Instagram are flooded with comments from fans who are moved by the cheerleaders’ bonds. “This is so wholesome!” wrote one viewer. Another added, “I love seeing the support and love between the girls. It makes me want to be a DCC even more!”

The Boot Buddy tradition has even inspired other teams and organizations to create their own mentorship rituals, proving that a little kindness goes a long way.

Looking Ahead

As the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders gear up for another season—and as America’s Sweethearts continues to captivate audiences—one thing is clear: the Boot Buddy tradition isn’t just a viral trend. It’s a testament to the power of mentorship, friendship, and the enduring spirit of the DCC.

So the next time you see a viral “Boot Buddy” reveal, remember: it’s about more than just boots. It’s about building each other up, one teammate at a time.