Courtney Johnson reflects on how Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders rejection fueled her media career
For most aspiring dancers, not making the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) squad would feel like a crushing setback. But for Courtney Johnson, it turned out to be a career-defining opportunity.
Over a decade later, the former DCC hopeful is reflecting on how rejection from one of the most iconic NFL cheer squads helped shape her successful journey as a content creator and media professional.
Courtney
Johnson
turned rejection into redirection
In a recent video posted to her Instagram and TikTok platforms, Johnson—now with nearly half a million followers—spoke candidly about her experience auditioning for the DCC. She was featured on Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, the long-running reality series on CMT that ran until 2021.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv)
"My most insane lore is that I was on America's Sweethearts, before it was called America's Sweethearts,' she joked, referring to the Netflix docuseries that reignited fan interest in the DCC legacy.
Though she didn't make the final team, she described the process as deeply rewarding. 'Even though I didn't make the team, it was like the biggest dream I had since I was a little girl. I made it all the way to the top 36, met amazing people.'
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Find your most suitable hearing aid
Amplifon
Book Now
Undo
She added, 'It kind of felt like The Amazing Race where you're all in it together as a team.'
Learning from mentors—and building a media empire
Johnson spoke highly of longtime DCC director Kelli Finglass and choreographer Judy Trammell, calling them 'incredible mentors.' She credits the reality TV experience with helping her become confident in front of the camera and learning storytelling and media techniques:
"It really helped my career. I learned how to be in front of the camera.
I learned how to do storytelling and talk and media."
Today, Johnson leverages those skills to empower others with job tips and career insights through her growing social media presence. What started as a failed audition has now become the foundation of a flourishing career—proof that rejection, when met with optimism and grit, can sometimes be the biggest break of all.
Also Read:
Netflix fan-favorite Jenna Waller makes the cut as Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders announces 2025 rookie cheerleaders
FAQs
1. Did Courtney Johnson make the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders team?
No, Courtney Johnson was cut after reaching the top 36 during auditions over a decade ago.
2. How did getting cut from the DCC impact Courtney Johnson's career?
Courtney Johnson says it helped launch her media career by teaching her camera skills, storytelling, and confidence.
3. What does Courtney Johnson do now?
Courtney Johnson's a successful content creator with nearly half a million followers, sharing career advice and life experiences on social media.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
2 minutes ago
- India.com
You Like Men? Kapil Sharma Teases Shamita Shetty About Her Love Life On The Great Indian Kapil Show In Promo Video
New Delhi: As the country prepares to celebrate Raksha Bandhan on August 9, The Great Indian Kapil Show is set to mark the occasion with double the laughter and sibling camaraderie. In a special festive episode, Bollywood's beloved sister duos, Shilpa and Shamita Shetty, and Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem, will grace the stage, bringing heartwarming nostalgia, playful jibes, and plenty of laughs. A newly released promo teases viewers with glimpses of the fun to come, with the guests openly teasing each other in true sibling style. Shamita's Comebacks Shilpa Shetty wastes no time roasting her younger sister Shamita on national television. When host Kapil Sharma asks if Shamita confides everything in her elder sister, Shilpa cheekily responds, 'She only hides boyfriend matters with me.' Shamita quickly retorts, 'Not anymore,' prompting Shilpa to quip, 'That's because she's single now.' Kapil joins in the fun, teasing Shamita with, 'Otherwise you like men, right?' to which she laughs and replies, 'Of course!' The exchange sends Shilpa into a fit of laughter. Later, when Sunil Grover, dressed in drag, asks what qualities women should look for in a man, Huma answers 'handsome, tall,' while Shamita adds 'intelligence.' Shilpa doesn't miss the chance to poke fun, turning to her sister and asking, 'Lekin tu fir intelligence dekhti kyun nahi hai? Sirf body dekhti hai.' (Then why don't you look at intelligence? You only look at the body.) Raghav Chadha Drops a Hint The previous and latest episode featured actor Parineeti Chopra and her husband, Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha. In a light-hearted exchange with Kapil Sharma, Chadha subtly hinted at their plans for a family. When asked whether a baby is on the horizon, Chadha smiled and replied, 'Denge, aapko denge, good news jaldi denge.' ('We will give you good news very soon.') Hosted by comedian Kapil Sharma, the current season includes familiar faces like Sunil Grover, Kiku Sharda, and Krushna Abhishek. Navjot Singh Sidhu also makes a return as a permanent guest, sharing the judge's bench with Archana Puran Singh. New episodes of The Great Indian Kapil Show premiere every Saturday on Netflix.
Mint
2 minutes ago
- Mint
Brooklyn Beckham, Nicola Peltz Beckham renew vows amid family rift
Washington DC [US], August 4 (ANI): Actress Nicola Peltz Beckham and Brooklyn Beckham renewed their vows amid a family rift. Three years after the couple tied the knot at Nicola's family's multi-million dollar property in Palm Beach, Fla., the duo reaffirmed their commitment to each other by renewing their vows, reported E! News. "It was a beautiful evening to celebrate their love," a source close to the couple informed the outlet, "an experience they'll carry with them always." The ceremony took place amid Brooklyn's ongoing feud with his family, including parents Victoria Beckham and David Beckham, that may have stemmed from a dramatic moment that occurred during their 2022 wedding, according to E! News. "Brooklyn and Nicola were under the impression they were being gifted their first dance by Marc Anthony," a source shared in May. "Marc Anthony announced, 'Please welcome to the stage the most beautiful woman in the Beckham.' Brooklyn wasn't quite sure what to do and was put in an awkward situation." The comment allegedly prompted the bride to flee the room in tears; however, "she eventually came back and was able to collect herself to celebrate the rest of her wedding." It was two months ago that a source close to the couple shut down rumours that the Brooklyn cut off his family entirely ahead of David's knighthood ceremony, an honour that was announced as part of King Charles III's birthday festivities in June. "This seems to be another deliberate attempt to misrepresent the truth," the insider said at the time, "and it only serves to distract from this honour being bestowed on Brooklyn's father," reported E! News. More recently, putting all the family drama aside, Brooklyn has made it clear that marrying Nicola was the "best decision" he could've made for himself. "It's been five years since I asked this beautiful woman to marry me xx," he gushed in a June 23 Instagram photo, alongside a mirror selfie with Nicola. "Best decision ever x I love you so much," reported E! News. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
2 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Calvin Harris and wife Vick Hope welcome baby boy, share graphic childbirth images
Calvin Harris and his wife, Vick Hope, announced on social media on Sunday, July 28, the arrival of their first child together, a baby boy named Micah. '20th of July our boy arrived. Micah is here!' Harris wrote on Instagram. 'My wife is a superhero and I am in complete awe of her primal wisdom! Just so grateful. We love you so much Micah," he added. Calvin Harris and wife Vick Hope welcomed their first baby on July 20.(Instagram/@Calvin Harris) The post included a sunlit snapshot of Harris cradling his newborn while lounging outside, as well as a photo from their at-home water birth. In the picture, both Harris and Hope were seen meeting Micah for the first time. Also read: Calvin Harris' wife says she listens to his ex Taylor Swift's songs when he isn't around Take a look at the post here: Harris and Hope's pregnancy rumors While the couple did not formally announce they were expecting, fans picked up on the clues earlier this year. Rumors swirled back in April during a BBC Radio 1 interview between Hope and actress Florence Pugh, where the 35-year-old presenter was spotted wearing a cream bodycon dress and was gently stroking her stomach. Also read: Duke and Duchess of Westminster welcome baby girl, Prince William could be named godfather Not long after, Hope shared a carousel of recent work moments on Instagram, casually including a few shots featuring a baby bump. 'Lots going on lately,' she wrote in one of her Instagram Stories, People reported. One photo showed her onstage in a white dress and cardigan, her pregnancy visibly showing. Despite the public spotting, neither Harris nor Hope kept the pregnancy mostly under the radar. Calvin Harris and Vick Hope's relationship away from spotlight According to People, the couple got married in September 2023 at a quiet estate wedding in northeast England. They waited months before appearing publicly together, eventually stepping out as a pair at the 66th annual Grammy Awards. Their history goes back further. Hope once joked that Harris asked her out in the early 2000s-and she turned him down. Even after their engagement, the two stayed out of the spotlight. 'You know what, I was very overwhelmed by the interest in it, but I'm keeping my private life private,' Hope told Hello! in 2022. FAQs What is the name of Calvin Harris and Vick Hope's baby? Their son is named Micah. When was Calvin Harris's baby born? Micah was born on July 20, 2025. How did fans learn about Vick Hope's pregnancy? Clues emerged during a BBC interview where she appeared visibly pregnant. Where did the couple get married? They tied the knot in northeast England in September 2023.
