Watch CBS News

Ravens cheerleaders only co-ed NFL squad

Since 1996, when the Ravens began in Baltimore, they've been the only football team in the National Football League with a co-ed cheerleading squad.

Seth Doane recently met the team and found out what makes it so unique.

Ravens cheerleading director Tina Galdieri says there are a number of pluses to having a co-ed team, both physical -- the team can do more acrobatic throws and flips -- and practical.

She said, "I think there's less cattiness. ... Well, when you think about it -- you have 40 women, you have 20 males to help balance it out."

But just who are the men who sign up for just a $100 stipend per game to be a cheerleader?

Meet the men in the video above -- from Jim Schwille, who sells lumber and is an Afghan war veteran, to Gregorio Monge, an aerospace engineer.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.