Flying High
LEFT: James Lagette brings the energy to the field, joining the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders during a game-day celebration RIGHT: LeGette poses with the Lombardi Trophy after the Eagles’ Super Bowl win. (Photos Courtesy of James Legette)
On Feb. 11, 2026, just three days after the Seattle Seahawks ended the Philadelphia Eagles’ reign as Super Bowl champs, James LeGette’s pride remained undiminished.
As one of the few male cheerleaders on the Eagles’ squad, LeGette stays fiercely devoted to his childhood team, whether it’s game day or just an ordinary Wednesday.
“It wasn’t the outcome we wanted. I was upset we didn’t get the chance to be at the Super Bowl,” he admits. “But I’m at peace with it. Throughout the season, the Eagles gave everything. It was an amazing season.”
With tryouts for the 2026 cheer squad underway, LeGette felt confident about keeping his spot among the 32 cheerleaders. Still, he admits, pretryout jitters always creep in. The upcoming season would be his sixth with the organization
“I get nervous around this time because I care so much about the team. Each season brings new challenges, and no position is guaranteed,” explains LeGette.
By day, LeGette is a full-time special education teacher who enjoys blending his passions. He incorporates the NFeLementary football-themed reading, math and geography curriculum in his classroom, while developing a social-emotional aspect based on real-time situations in the league, discussing with students how players interact with one another and their communities.
“We focus on how different organizations consistently give back,” he says.
A Winning Dare
Growing up in Levittown, Pennsylvania, as one of 10 siblings raised by a single mom, LeGette always dreamed of performing. Among his drama credits is “Shrek the Musical” staged by the Music Mountain Theater in New Jersey in March. For a second time in his acting career, he played Donkey, Shrek’s lovable and chatty sidekick — a role that suits his outgoing personality perfectly.
Also, he shares his cheer world on
TikTok and other social media platforms.
LeGette traces his cheerleading journey to a dare from a close friend in middle school. That friend encouraged him to try out for the squad after noticing his talent for gymnastics. He made the team as a seventh grader, as the only male, mainly serving as a base for his teammates. He was named captain as an eighth grader.
It was during his high school years that his interests expanded to include dance and drama. Cheer took a back seat, but only temporarily.
LeGette was working at Sesame Place when his best friend suggested that he try out for the Eagles. First time out, in 2020, he made it to the finals, but didn’t make the squad. He tried out again in 2021 and earned a spot. At the time, he was also a cheer coach at Marple Point Middle School in the Neshaminy School District, his alma mater, where he ultimately found his passion for special education after working for eight years as a student aide and faculty substitute.
Now in his second year teaching full- time at Brookwood Elementary School in Bristol Township, his students are among his biggest fans. “They always tell me they look for me on television,” he says.
As a special education teacher, LeGette focuses on emotional regulation. He’s always looking for ways to bring real-life situations into the classroom — including adopting a class pet, a bearded dragon named Leo. To his surprise, when he let the students name their new pet, they chose not to pick an Eagles-themed name. The students use Leo to talk about their feelings, sometimes even taking him for walks and helping feed him — something LeGette finds awesome.
Interactions with his students and the community regarding his diverse interests inspire LeGette. “That right there is my why,” he says. “Reminding others to find or remember their why keeps me motivated.”
LeGette is a 2024 graduate of Temple University, with a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a focus on education. He is currently taking classes at Chestnut Hill College and is on track to receive a dual master’s in pre-K to 4 education and Special Education K-12 in the fall.
Tackling Challenges
Throughout his journey, LeGette has encountered skepticism about his passion for cheerleading, but he never lets it bother him. He aims to demonstrate that anyone can achieve their dreams through determination.
“You can do anything you put your mind to. If someone speaks negatively about you, let them. Ignore the doubters and keep moving forward — criticism is merely background noise,” says LeGette. “Focus on your goals and remember that you are worthy, capable and amazing.”
He celebrates the importance of role models, whether male or female.
“There are so many people who look up to us as male cheerleaders and role models. I really try to look past what others think is normal,” he says. “If someone has something critical to say, I’ll always listen. But I know who I am and what I love to do, so I just keep moving forward, doing exactly what I love.
“The Philly fans are incredibly supportive of everything I do,” he adds. “I love that.”
To maintain his performance level, LeGette participates in weekly workouts and dance classes. He also coaches gymnastics, soccer and basketball.
“Our squad is diverse and inclusive. Each member brings something unique to the team. We all look so different, and that’s what makes our team special,” he says. “That sense of inclusion drew me to the Eagles cheerleading family.”
LeGette appreciates that the organization understands its cheerleaders have varying careers and commitments. Practices happen a few times each week so that cheerleaders can balance their lives beyond the football field.
“My teammates are top-notch — absolutely amazing individuals,” he proudly says.
Back in January, when the organization invited seven decades of Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders to take to the field with the cheer team for a special halftime performance at Lincoln Financial Field, Legette was thrilled to be part of the history-making moment.
“A lot of the alumni will come to games and events, but this was special,” he says. “I love that we did this. It is always fun to hear them share their stories.”
Touchdown Moments
Whether performing or engaging with the community at events, LeGette cherishes every connection he builds. “So many fans approach me and share their stories. It’s a wonderful feeling,” he says.
Wearing his uniform brings him immense pride as he represents the Philadelphia Eagles. When he thinks back on his most memorable experiences, he recalls his performances in two Super Bowls, among other significant moments.
One poignant memory involves mentoring a student in the Neshaminy School District who sought to join the cheer team. “I mentored him for two years. He became an incredible asset to the team. It was a truly amazing experience,” LeGette recalls.
Another powerful experience occurred during a visit to a military base when a servicewoman told him, “People like you inspire my boy to dance.” This interaction reinforced LeGette’s belief in the importance of representation.
More recently, he encouraged a young boy at a junior cheer clinic to overcome societal barriers.
“What others may consider normal doesn’t matter because we can break
barriers,” he says.
LeGette sees the role of male cheerleaders evolving across the NFL. More teams are opening doors. He hopes his presence on the field helps blaze trails for others. He imagines a league where every young man who dreams of cheering on the sidelines has a chance to do so. Currently, only 12 of the NFL’s 32 franchises have male cheerleaders. Seven have no cheerleaders at all.
If there’s one lesson LeGette hopes to pass on, it’s this: You can do anything you put your mind to. Ignore the doubters and keep moving forward — criticism is just background noise. Focus on your goals, bring your best self, and remember you are worthy, capable and amazing.
LeGette says he is living his dream. And he has a Super Bowl ring — from when the Eagles crushed the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025 — to prove it.