A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader was caught by surprise when the football hit her in the back of the head during the Cowboys-Commanders game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
After nailing a 34-yarder during Sunday’s season finale, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey returned to the field to handle the kickoff.
Seemingly trying to hit a low line drive, the ball awkwardly came off Aubrey’s foot – but the lack of accuracy and power was not the end of the story.
As the ball floated out of bounds, it went toward the sideline, where the Cowboys Cheerleaders performed their routine with their backs turned toward the field. It soared and decked rookie dancer Michelle Siemienowski on the back of her head.
Her fellow dancers immediately paused the routine to check on their teammate as she fell to the ground from the hit.
Warming up by the dancers, Washington Punter Tress Way also approached Siemienowski after the hit.
Shoutout to this #DallasCowboys Cheerleader for taking the hit like a champ 💪 pic.twitter.com/jluDhATMku
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 5, 2025 
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Michelle Siemienowski got hit with a football on Sunday afternoon
Siemienowski joined the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders after dancing at UC Santa BarbaraÂ
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An alternate angle showed a cameraman’s attempt to deflect the ball to protect the cheerleaders. Unfortunately, the ball descended past his hand and went straight for the dancer’s head.
Although Siemienowski was in tears from the hit as she sat on the sideline, she appeared to laugh it off while collecting herself.
One of her fellow cheerleaders then handed her a cup of water, as she laughed while fanning her face.
The California native joined the team in 2024 after dancing for UC Santa Barbara at a collegiate level.
Dallas entered their final regular season game with a 7-9 record. They hope to end their campaign well as they have fallen out of playoff contention.
On the other hand, the 11-5 Commanders have clinched the sixth seed in the NFC postseason picture.
