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USA Today
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Netflix docuseries back for Season 2: See release date, more
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Netflix docuseries back for Season 2: See release date, more Show Caption Hide Caption Need a show to binge? These are the must watch shows this summer USA TODAY's TV critic Kelly Lawler breaks down the best TV shows you don't to want to miss this summer The search to find America's (newest) Sweethearts will kick off shortly. "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders," a docuseries about the legendary cheer team, returns for its second season on Netflix June 18. The show follows a group of hopefuls as they compete for a spot on the Dallas Cowboys Cheer Team, the pinnacle of professional cheerleading. "There are, of course, the physics-defying kicks and jump splits of 'Thunderstruck,' the squad's signature — and seriously difficult to master — routine set to the AC/DC song. And then, there are the tears and cheers as girls make or are cut from the final team," per Tudum. The big difference between this season and the last is that the pool of dancers auditioning to accompany the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) through the National Football League's 2024-25 season is that most of them are rookies. Only 23 of 36 veterans will be re-auditioning for a spot. "From Emmy Award-winning director Greg Whiteley and the team behind 'Cheer' and 'Last Chance U,' the fan-favorite series will return to continue giving viewers unfiltered access into this iconic team and franchise," according to Netflix. Here's what we know about Season 2 so far, including how to watch. Watch 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Season 2 trailer What's 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Season 2 about? This season picks up ahead of the final round of auditions for the 2024-2025 squad and follows the 36 women who get selected through training camp, cuts, the official team announcement and into the NFL season, according to Tudum. "This season dives deeper into the stories, sisterhood, and sacrifices of the women who wear the stars on and off the field," reads a description of the show. "Get ready for new faces, high stakes, and raw emotion as these athletes redefine what it means to shine under pressure." Which 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' are returning for Season 2? It seemingly takes a village to put together a cheer team, especially one as iconic as this one. "This time around, DCC director Kelli Finglass and head choreographer Judy Trammell work to build yet another impressive team of talented athletes who can wow the world with their high kicks and jump splits as AC/DC's 'Thunderstruck' blasts throughout AT&T Stadium," according to Tudum. Only 23 of 36 veterans are trying out for the team this season, which means DCC will have a larger pool of rookies who are vying for a spot to ultimately make the team. Finglass and Trammel whittled down the nearly 500 new submissions they received to determine the group of hopefuls, made up of veterans and rookies, who will formally audition for a spot on the team. Here are some of the women we know for sure will be in Season 2 (You'll have to tune in to see if your favorite veteran is returning this season.) Coaches: Kelli Finglass, senior director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Judy Trammell, head choreographer for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Veterans: Armani Chandi Jada KayDianna Kayla H. Kleine Megan Reece Sophy Rookie candidates: Abby Ariel Ava Charly Clare Marie Cooper Dayton Jenna Kelly V. Madie K. More details about the squad members, whom we know about, can be found here. How to watch 'Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders' Season 2 The new season drops June 18 on Netflix. You can also stream the first season on Netflix right now, especially if you need to rewatch to prepare.
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Panthers sign pass rusher through NFL's International Player Pathway Program
Panthers sign pass rusher through NFL's International Player Pathway Program The newest Carolina Panthers pass rusher has taken a less than conventional path to the NFL. As announced on Monday, linebacker Mapalo "Maz" Mwansa has signed with the Panthers through the league's International Player Pathway program. Mwansa is an English native of Zambian descent. He grew up in Peterborough, England—where he played a number of sports including rugby, soccer, basketball, track and field and cricket. In an interview with The Associated Press, the 20-year-old Mwansa stated that he learned football through watching the Netflix series Last Chance U and Quarterback. 'I would never have thought I would be doing this four or five years ago,' Mwansa told the AP. 'Even two years ago, football was not in the picture for me. The journey's been a complete whistle-stop tour, and I'm trying to soak in as much as I can and just enjoy every bit of the process." The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder has been a member of the Nottingham Caesars, a British American football club, and England's national team for the 2024 European championships. Mwansa turned some heads at the Canadian Football League's combine in the United Kingdom. He would then land an invite from the NFL to the IPP program. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
Fox Sports
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
After a crash course in football from 'Last Chance U,' Mapalo Mwansa hopes to walk NFL draft stage
Associated Press Mapalo 'Maz' Mwansa's journey to the NFL has been unique, even for a league that continues to expand its international footprint. The 20-year-old Mwansa grew up in Peterborough, England, and played rugby, soccer, basketball, track and field and cricket in high school. He ended up at Loughborough University to study economics and finance and turned heads when he ran the 100 meters in 10.48 seconds at a 'sports day' on campus. Told American football might be an option, Mwansa 'threw myself into the university team' and has worked tirelessly since to improve. Now, after a crash course that included learning from popular Netflix series 'Last Chance U' and 'Quarterback,' Mwansa hopes to get selected in the NFL draft. 'I would never have thought I would be doing this four or five years ago,' Mwansa told The Associated Press. 'Even two years ago, football was not in the picture for me. The journey's been a complete whistle-stop tour, and I'm trying to soak in as much as I can and just enjoy every bit of the process. 'If you don't enjoy it, it shows throughout your results. But I love this game, and I will continue to love her and try to better myself each way I can. The journey is crazy when I think about it.' The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker ended up with the Nottingham Caesars and then landed a spot with the national team for the 2024 European championships — all while juggling a full-time job at Baker Tilly International, one of the top accounting firms in the world. He gained more attention at a Canadian Football League combine in the United Kingdom and landed an invite to the NFL's International Pathway Program, which provides a 10-week training camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and a showcase at USF's annual pro day in nearby Tampa. Mwansa will travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to attend the draft and maybe make the walk across the stage. 'We hope to hear some good news,' he said. He's hardly alone. Here are other international players hoping for the best in the upcoming draft: James Burnip The former Alabama punter is looking to become the latest Australian to earn an NFL roster spot. He averaged 45.37 yards a punt in 2024, which ranked 11th in the nation. But his 6-foot-6, 235-pound frame has him near the top of many specialist rankings heading into the draft. Jeremy Crawshaw The former Florida punter is another Australian expected to get drafted and could go before Burnip. The 6-3 Crawshaw never missed a game, averaged a school-record 46.4 yards over four seasons with the Gators and was named a team captain in 2024. Kurtis Rourke The former Indiana quarterback played most of last season on a torn knee ligament. The 24-year-old Canadian had surgery in January and is expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp. In his sixth college season, Rourke threw for 3,042 yards, with 29 touchdowns and five interceptions, while leading Indiana to the College Football Playoff. He spent the previous five years at Ohio. Nathaniel Salmon The 20-year-old tight end previously played professional basketball in New Zealand and Australia. At 6-5 and 245 pounds, Salmon has NFL size, which makes him an intriguing IPP prospect. Laki Tasi The 21-year-old defensive lineman played at the highest level of rugby in Australia. At 6-6 and 348 pounds — and with 34-inch arms — he has the size and toughness to be a force in the trenches. He also is an IPP member. Jeneiro Wakeham The 6-foot-9, 320-pound Fijian is a former rugby player making the transition to offensive line. The 21-year-old Wakeham spent time with Stade France and most recently Eagling Trailfinders. He has made quick strides in the IPP program and should find a home with an NFL franchise. ___ AP NFL: recommended in this topic
San Francisco Chronicle
22-04-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
After a crash course in football from 'Last Chance U,' Mapalo Mwansa hopes to walk NFL draft stage
Mapalo 'Maz' Mwansa's journey to the NFL has been unique, even for a league that continues to expand its international footprint. The 20-year-old Mwansa grew up in Peterborough, England, and played rugby, soccer, basketball, track and field and cricket in high school. He ended up at Loughborough University to study economics and finance and turned heads when he ran the 100 meters in 10.48 seconds at a 'sports day' on campus. Told American football might be an option, Mwansa 'threw myself into the university team' and has worked tirelessly since to improve. Now, after a crash course that included learning from popular Netflix series 'Last Chance U' and 'Quarterback,' Mwansa hopes to get selected in the NFL draft. 'I would never have thought I would be doing this four or five years ago,' Mwansa told The Associated Press. 'Even two years ago, football was not in the picture for me. The journey's been a complete whistle-stop tour, and I'm trying to soak in as much as I can and just enjoy every bit of the process. 'If you don't enjoy it, it shows throughout your results. But I love this game, and I will continue to love her and try to better myself each way I can. The journey is crazy when I think about it.' The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker ended up with the Nottingham Caesars and then landed a spot with the national team for the 2024 European championships — all while juggling a full-time job at Baker Tilly International, one of the top accounting firms in the world. He gained more attention at a Canadian Football League combine in the United Kingdom and landed an invite to the NFL's International Pathway Program, which provides a 10-week training camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and a showcase at USF's annual pro day in nearby Tampa. Mwansa will travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to attend the draft and maybe make the walk across the stage. 'We hope to hear some good news,' he said. He's hardly alone. Here are other international players hoping for the best in the upcoming draft: James Burnip The former Alabama punter is looking to become the latest Australian to earn an NFL roster spot. He averaged 45.37 yards a punt in 2024, which ranked 11th in the nation. But his 6-foot-6, 235-pound frame has him near the top of many specialist rankings heading into the draft. Jeremy Crawshaw The former Florida punter is another Australian expected to get drafted and could go before Burnip. The 6-3 Crawshaw never missed a game, averaged a school-record 46.4 yards over four seasons with the Gators and was named a team captain in 2024. Kurtis Rourke The former Indiana quarterback played most of last season on a torn knee ligament. The 24-year-old Canadian had surgery in January and is expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp. In his sixth college season, Rourke threw for 3,042 yards, with 29 touchdowns and five interceptions, while leading Indiana to the College Football Playoff. He spent the previous five years at Ohio. Nathaniel Salmon The 20-year-old tight end previously played professional basketball in New Zealand and Australia. At 6-5 and 245 pounds, Salmon has NFL size, which makes him an intriguing IPP prospect. Laki Tasi The 21-year-old defensive lineman played at the highest level of rugby in Australia. At 6-6 and 348 pounds — and with 34-inch arms — he has the size and toughness to be a force in the trenches. He also is an IPP member. Jeneiro Wakeham The 6-foot-9, 320-pound Fijian is a former rugby player making the transition to offensive line. The 21-year-old Wakeham spent time with Stade France and most recently Eagling Trailfinders. He has made quick strides in the IPP program and should find a home with an NFL franchise. ___
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
After a crash course in football from 'Last Chance U,' Mapalo Mwansa hopes to walk NFL draft stage
FILE - Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine on Feb. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File) In this February 2025 image provided by the NFL, Mapalo 'Maz' Mwansa runs a drill at the IMG Academy where the NFL's International Players Program train in Bradenton, Fla. (Alexa LoPiano/NFL via AP) In this February 2025 image provided by the NFL, Mapalo 'Maz' Mwansa looks on at the IMG Academy where the NFL's International Players Program train in Bradenton, Fla. (Alexa LoPiano/NFL via AP) In this February 2025 image provided by the NFL, Mapalo 'Maz' Mwansa looks on at the IMG Academy where the NFL's International Players Program train in Bradenton, Fla. (Alexa LoPiano/NFL via AP) FILE - Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine on Feb. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File) In this February 2025 image provided by the NFL, Mapalo 'Maz' Mwansa runs a drill at the IMG Academy where the NFL's International Players Program train in Bradenton, Fla. (Alexa LoPiano/NFL via AP) In this February 2025 image provided by the NFL, Mapalo 'Maz' Mwansa looks on at the IMG Academy where the NFL's International Players Program train in Bradenton, Fla. (Alexa LoPiano/NFL via AP) Mapalo 'Maz' Mwansa's journey to the NFL has been unique, even for a league that continues to expand its international footprint. The 20-year-old Mwansa grew up in Peterborough, England, and played rugby, soccer, basketball, track and field and cricket in high school. He ended up at Loughborough University to study economics and finance and turned heads when he ran the 100 meters in 10.48 seconds at a 'sports day' on campus. Advertisement Told American football might be an option, Mwansa 'threw myself into the university team' and has worked tirelessly since to improve. Now, after a crash course that included learning from popular Netflix series 'Last Chance U' and 'Quarterback,' Mwansa hopes to get selected in the NFL draft. 'I would never have thought I would be doing this four or five years ago,' Mwansa told The Associated Press. 'Even two years ago, football was not in the picture for me. The journey's been a complete whistle-stop tour, and I'm trying to soak in as much as I can and just enjoy every bit of the process. 'If you don't enjoy it, it shows throughout your results. But I love this game, and I will continue to love her and try to better myself each way I can. The journey is crazy when I think about it.' The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker ended up with the Nottingham Caesars and then landed a spot with the national team for the 2024 European championships — all while juggling a full-time job at Baker Tilly International, one of the top accounting firms in the world. Advertisement He gained more attention at a Canadian Football League combine in the United Kingdom and landed an invite to the NFL's International Pathway Program, which provides a 10-week training camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and a showcase at USF's annual pro day in nearby Tampa. Mwansa will travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, to attend the draft and maybe make the walk across the stage. 'We hope to hear some good news,' he said. He's hardly alone. Here are other international players hoping for the best in the upcoming draft: James Burnip The former Alabama punter is looking to become the latest Australian to earn an NFL roster spot. He averaged 45.37 yards a punt in 2024, which ranked 11th in the nation. But his 6-foot-6, 235-pound frame has him near the top of many specialist rankings heading into the draft. Advertisement Jeremy Crawshaw The former Florida punter is another Australian expected to get drafted and could go before Burnip. The 6-3 Crawshaw never missed a game, averaged a school-record 46.4 yards over four seasons with the Gators and was named a team captain in 2024. Kurtis Rourke The former Indiana quarterback played most of last season on a torn knee ligament. The 24-year-old Canadian had surgery in January and is expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp. In his sixth college season, Rourke threw for 3,042 yards, with 29 touchdowns and five interceptions, while leading Indiana to the College Football Playoff. He spent the previous five years at Ohio. Advertisement Nathaniel Salmon The 20-year-old tight end previously played professional basketball in New Zealand and Australia. At 6-5 and 245 pounds, Salmon has NFL size, which makes him an intriguing IPP prospect. Laki Tasi The 21-year-old defensive lineman played at the highest level of rugby in Australia. At 6-6 and 348 pounds — and with 34-inch arms — he has the size and toughness to be a force in the trenches. He also is an IPP member. Jeneiro Wakeham The 6-foot-9, 320-pound Fijian is a former rugby player making the transition to offensive line. The 21-year-old Wakeham spent time with Stade France and most recently Eagling Trailfinders. He has made quick strides in the IPP program and should find a home with an NFL franchise. ___ AP NFL:
