Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ peels back the glittering surface of cheerleading to reveal the intense discipline and relentless pressure that comes with earning and keeping a spot on the team. One of the standout figures of the second season was Jada McLean. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, ask difficult questions, or challenge the status quo when needed. As a group leader, she balanced strength and vulnerability, inspiring others not just with her moves on the field but with her integrity.
Jada McLean Stood Up For Changes That Mattered Within the Team
Jada McLean’s journey during her final season with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) was nothing short of impactful. From the very start, she was appointed as a group leader, which was a testament to the trust her coaches and mentors placed in her. But Jada was more than just a standout performer on the field; she brought maturity and conviction to every aspect of her leadership. She became a mentor and guiding presence for rookie members as well as the veterans on her team. She carried her leadership beyond practice and performances when she became a vocal advocate for fair pay. Jada bravely initiated and engaged in conversations with management and HR. She stood firm in her belief that the cheerleaders deserved better compensation for their time, effort, and brand representation.
Her courage to speak up paved the way for a conversation that had long been overdue. When her teammate Chandi Dayle faced emotional fallout during a public moment of vulnerability, Jada didn’t turn away. She showed compassion and empathy, validating the very human side of a job that is often expected to stay polished at all costs. Toward the end of the season, Jada made the powerful decision not to return, recognizing that her time with the DCC had come to an end. She was honest about the challenges and bitterness she faced while pushing for change, but she remained proud. When the organization eventually announced pay increases, Jada knew her voice had mattered. Though she wouldn’t personally benefit from the policy shift, she had paved the way for the next generation.
Jada McLean is Working Full-Time as a Model and Content Creator Today
Jada McLean is no stranger to the world of reality television. In fact, her first appearance on-screen was back in 2020, when she was featured on CMT’s reality TV show ‘Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team.’ This is when she was a rookie and had been at her first audition for the team. At the time, she was also a student at UC Davis, where she was a part of the university’s official dance team. A native of Palm Springs, California, she completed her schooling at the local high school before moving to Texas in pursuit of her dream of donning the iconic white and blue DCC uniform.
Following the conclusion of her impactful run with the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Jada transitioned her career into modeling and content creation. She has organically built a presence on Instagram and TikTok, using her social media platforms to collaborate with various lifestyle and fashion brands. Thanks to her years with DCC, she is well-versed in brand partnerships, public engagement, professional representation and other skills she continues to put to use to further her career. She has worked with popular names such as Pepper Mayo and Diamonds Direct, among others. She even presented at the ACM Awards in May 2025 for the third year in a row.
In addition to her work as a creator, Jada also previously held a position as a cosmetics specialist at a dermatology practice, although it remains unclear if she continues in that line of work today. At 25 years of age, Jada finds herself on the brink of transformation. Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, she remains driven and purposeful. For someone as direct and goal-oriented as she is, there’s no doubt she will make it.
Jada McLean’s Family Has Been Unequivocally by Her Side
When Jada McLean is at work, she gives it her all. Whether it’s on set, at a shoot, or creating content, her commitment is unshakable. But she also knows the value of balance and takes intentional breaks to enjoy life. In February 2025, she took a quick getaway to Chicago, Illinois, and the following month, she flew to Mexico to celebrate a friend’s wedding. Most recently, in June 2025, Jada took a joyful trip to Disneyland to mark the release of the Netflix series she was a part of and honored a career milestone with some well-earned fun.
Her personal life, however, hasn’t always been easy. Jada has openly spoken about her father, Robert McLean, and his past struggles with drug dependency and incarceration. Though her mother, Alyssa McLean, tried to shield her from those hardships during her childhood, Jada still remembers visiting her dad in prison. Over the years, with his release, their bond has only grown stronger. Today, both her parents are her pillars of strength. In fact, Robert has not missed a single one of her performances, and it is something that stands out to Jada. Her siblings, Bailey and Bronson, have been equally surprised by all the choices she has made and have been her allies for life. It’s her family that grounds her. Their love and presence in her life have taught her how to rise through adversity and accept every chapter with courage and pride.
Read More: Kelly Villares: Where is the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Now?
