Suzanne Mitchell, former director of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, died last week in Fredericksburg, Texas, at 73.
The Cowboys cheerleaders, with their signature uniforms featuring hot pants and long white boots, grew into a national phenomena under Mitchell's leadership during the 1970s.
Mitchell held the director role from 1976-89. Ironically, her brother recently told The Washington Post that Mitchell had no cheerleading experience herself.
W.W. Mitchell said his sister died due to complications from pancreatic cancer.
Cheerleading teams are now a big part of the game day and viewing experience in the NFL.