By Dee Brock, the original director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders who helped mold the prototype for NFL sideline entertainment, died on Wednesday, the team said.
She was 96.
Former Cowboys cheerleader Kelli Finglass — now the team’s director — called Brock a “visionary who helped create an icon.”
“Dee’s leadership, imagination and unwavering commitment to excellence shaped far more than a team. She created a standard, a spirit and a symbol that have inspired generations and earned recognition around the world,” Finglass said in a statement.
“Her influence lives on in every performance, every dream pursued and every woman who has ever worn the uniform with pride. We are deeply grateful for her vision, her courage and the extraordinary legacy she leaves with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.”
Finglass added: “Rest peacefully, Dee. You will always be remembered and your legacy will continue to shine.”
When the squad was first formed in 1961, Brock according to the team’s history, “utilized high school students with traditional cheers to lead the crowd.”
The team added “dance elements” to its game-day routine in 1965, then in 1972 introduced its now-iconic uniforms — boots, short shorts and a fringed, midriff bearing top — which has remained virtually unchanged since.
Brock retired in 1975.
The team honored Brock in 2022 with a lifetime achievement award, presented as a rhinestone-adorned football.
“I hadn’t realized I had made such a good impression, and I’m so happy about that,” Brock told NBC affiliate KETK during the presentation ceremony at her Tyler home.
Brock’s advocacy is credited with helping integrate the cheerleading squad.
“The kindness that she showed, the encouragement, the warmth to a 16-year-old high school girl, it’s amazing what encouraging words, what kindness can do.” said Eunice Cicero, a pioneering member of the 1965 squad. “Thanks to Dee, I had the pleasure of being one of the first African American cheerleaders for the Dallas Cowboys.”
This article originally appeared on NBCNews.com.
