A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader was caught off guard when the ball hit her in the back of the head during the Cowboys-Commanders game at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
After scoring a 34-yard pass during Sunday’s season finale, Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey returned to the field to take the kickoff.
Apparently trying to hit a low drive, the ball came off Aubrey’s foot clumsily, but the lack of precision and power was not the end of the story.
When the ball floated out of bounds, it headed toward the sideline, where the Cowboys cheerleaders performed their routine with their backs to the field. He went up and hit novice dancer Michelle Siemienowski in 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 blow.
Washington Punter Tress Way, warming up with the dancers, also approached Siemienowski after the hit.
Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Michelle Siemienowski was hit with a football Sunday afternoon.
Siemienowski joined the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders after dancing at UC Santa Barbara
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 to the dancer’s head.
Although Siemienowski was crying from the hit while sitting on the bench, she appeared to laugh as she recovered.
Then, one of her fellow cheerleaders handed her a glass of water, as she laughed while fanning her face.
The California native joined the team in 2024 after dancing for UC Santa Barbara at the collegiate level.
Dallas entered its final regular season game with a 7-9 record. They hope to finish their campaign well, since they have been left out of the playoff race.
On the other hand, the Commanders (11-5) have clinched the sixth seed in the NFC postseason.