Before she became a rising name in professional wrestling, Maxxine Dupri led a very different life on the sidelines of major sports arenas. Now 28 and a WWE Superstar, Dupri was once a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL and later danced for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA, experiences she says came with strict prohibitions against interacting with athletes beyond the job.
The rules were not just guidelines; they were enforced rigorously, reflecting the organizations’ desire to maintain professional boundaries.
In a candid conversation on the Impaulsive podcast hosted by Logan Paul, Dupri revealed how carefully cheerleaders were coached to avoid sparking gossip. Even answering a seemingly innocent question about a favorite player could have consequences.
‘They were very tough on us for the type of job it is and the amount of money you make. At the end of the day we are representing the Rams organization,” she explained.
Teams invested in media training for cheerleaders, teaching them how to navigate interviews without giving the impression of personal favoritism toward any athlete. These measures showed the high level of scrutiny placed on cheerleaders in professional sports, especially given the public attention surrounding players.
Dupri emphasized that any personal connection with a player could breach contract terms. Cheerleaders were explicitly forbidden from attending player parties or social events, even if invited by teammates or other staff.
While the NBA’s Suns had slightly more relaxed policies than the Rams, both organizations discouraged fraternization, and violations could result in immediate termination. Dupri mentioned that during her tenure, she personally did not get to know any players, although she noted that not everyone followed the rules strictly.
Behind the scenes: Romance and secrecy
Her insights also highlighted high-profile cases like that of Camille Kostek and former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Kostek and Gronkowski began dating early in their careers, but they kept their relationship secret because it would have violated team policy during her time as a cheerleader.
Dupri pointed to their story as an example of how athletes and cheerleaders sometimes navigated strict expectations while trying to maintain privacy.
“On the Rams, if someone found out, you’d be off the team. Suns was a little more lax,” she explained.
Despite witnessing the rigid boundaries placed on cheerleaders, Dupri eventually transitioned to a career in sports entertainment. In 2021, she attended a WWE tryout in Las Vegas, successfully earned a contract, and has since become a prominent figure in wrestling.
