Open Call vs Finals: Understanding Each Round of NFL Cheer Tryouts

Image credit: Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders

Auditioning for an NFL cheerleading team is a multi-stage process designed to test more than just dance ability. From your first step onto the audition floor to the final selection, each round serves a different purpose. Two of the most important stages are the open call and finals. Understanding how they differ can help you prepare smarter and perform with more confidence.

What Happens at Open Call

The open call is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the first round, and it’s open to all qualified candidates. This is where large numbers of dancers come together, sometimes in the hundreds, all competing for a limited number of spots.

At this stage, judges are looking for overall potential. You’ll usually learn a short routine on the spot, perform in groups, and possibly across the floor. The pace is quick, and cuts can happen rapidly.

What matters most here:

• Picking up choreography quickly
• Strong performance energy right away
• Clean technique under pressure
• Confidence in a crowded room

Open call is less about perfection and more about presence. Judges are asking a simple question: Do you stand out enough to move forward?

The Purpose Behind Finals

Image credit: Chiefs Cheer

Making it to finals is a big step. The atmosphere shifts immediately. The group is smaller, the expectations are higher, and the evaluation becomes more detailed.

Finals often include:

• More complex choreography
• Solo performances
• Interviews or panel questions
• Appearance and presentation checks

This round is about consistency and depth. It’s no longer just about catching attention. Judges want to see if you can represent the team professionally for an entire season.

They’re evaluating:

• Performance quality and precision
• Personality and communication skills
• Professionalism and attitude
• Overall brand fit for the organization

At finals, every detail counts. From how you walk into the room to how you interact with others, everything is part of your audition.

Key Differences Between the Two

The biggest difference comes down to focus.

Open call is about making an impression quickly. It’s fast, competitive, and high-energy. You’re proving you belong in the next round.

Finals, on the other hand, are about proving you’re ready for the role. It’s more personal and more thorough. Judges already see your potential. Now they’re deciding if you’re the right choice.

Another key difference is pressure. Open call feels intense because of the numbers. Finals feel intense because the stakes are higher.

How to Approach Each Round

For open call, think bold and confident. Don’t hold back. You want to be noticed immediately, even in a crowded space.

For finals, shift your mindset. Focus on control, polish, and authenticity. This is where being relatable, professional, and consistent can set you apart.

Preparation should reflect these differences. Train for quick learning and adaptability early on, then refine your technique and presentation as you move forward.

Final Thoughts

Each round of NFL cheer tryouts plays a specific role in the selection process. Open call gets your foot in the door. Finals determine whether you can stay.

Understanding that shift can change how you prepare and how you perform. When you treat each stage with the right mindset, you give yourself a better chance not just to advance, but to truly stand out when it matters most.

Discover more articles below:

• When Passion Feels Like Pressure: Mental Health Check-Ins for Dancers
• Game Day Skincare: Prep Your Skin for Long-Lasting Makeup
• Showing Up for Your Body: Training with Intention, Not Punishment
• Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations in Pro Cheerleading