Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Jenna Waller Opens Up About Eating Disorder, Overcoming ‘Insecurities’ (Exclusive)
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Jenna Waller Opens Up About Eating Disorder, Overcoming ‘Insecurities’ (Exclusive)
Tabitha ParentFri, June 26, 2026 at 8:55 PM UTC
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Jenna Waller on Season 3 of 'America's Sweethearts.'Credit: Courtesy of Netflix -
Jenna Waller opened up about her eating disorder on this season of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, revealing that she was happy she was cut from training camp the first time around
Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE, Waller opens up further about her comments surrounding her body
She also shares that, while certain "insecurities" definitely "resurfaced" for her after she made the squad, she has come a long way in her recovery journey
Dallas Cowboys CheerleaderJenna Waller said that she was "so grateful" that she didn't make the team the first time she went through training camp on this season of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. Though not a common refrain for hopefuls looking to make what is considered one of the most elite teams in the NFL cheer world, Waller's situation is different from others.She cited where she was with her health and body as a primary reason she was pleased to not make the team, though she added that, after being cut from the 2024 team during training camp, she went through "the lowest low of my life."
Jenna Waller wins Rookie of the Year.Credit: Jenna Waller/Instagram
She explained how, following her cut, she gained weight. “Last year during training camp, people would say, ‘How are you not eating?' " she said. “I was like, ‘I'm just not hungry' or ‘I need to be skinny for practice.' I would say things like that.”
In the docuseries, she highlighted how "grateful" she is to have taken time to focus on her health. “I remind myself all the time how grateful I am that I had this year to heal my body and get to a place where I feel good in the mirror and I feel good about myself," she said.Speaking with PEOPLE exclusively following the release of the third season of the Netflix docuseries, Waller opens up about the year that she has had since making the team, and how her relationship with her body has improved.
She says it is "still true to this day" that she is glad she didn't make the team her first go-around.
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"I wasn't ready to make the team. I wasn't fueling myself. I wouldn't be able to make it through a game day fueling myself the way I was at that time," she admits.
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Jenna Waller in July 2024.Credit: Jenna Waller/Instagram
Waller also opens up about another element of her identity that was explored on this season of the show. As a child, the cheerleader underwent surgery to correct her cleft lip, and she explains that the "insecurities" she developed as a result "definitely resurfaced in that comeback year.""I think I need to go through that to make me stronger to be on this team because we are in the spotlight and we do face a lot of scrutiny," she says. "And I think it's just a reminder of how tough our skin is and how resilient we need to be and confident in our own skin to be on this team."Waller's confidence translated so well that she was even named Rookie of the Year at the end of America's Sweethearts season three.Seasons 1 to 3 of America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders are streaming now on Netflix.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, The Alliance for Eating Disorders provides a fully-staffed helpline at 1-866-662-1235, as well as free, therapist-led support groups.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
