Ben-Gal is NFL's Oldest Cheerleader @ 42

Ttimes3 · April 2011

...and, apparently, the subject of a forthcoming New Line Cinema movie. Video from this morning's Early Show.

Inspirational or otherwise? Discuss...

stillwaiting12 · April 2011

I read an article about this last week some time. I personally don't see the big deal. She's 42 and she looks amazing for 42, but other than that... I just don't get it. I don't see why they would make a movie about her being "old" and cheerleading. I mean, 10 years ago I thought 42 was old. Now, heck it's not that big of a deal!

It won't be the first time I thought they made a movie of something unworthy though, and probably not the last.

sistrkate · April 2011

The video link isn't working.....

I think she kicks ass. As April said, I'm not really sure why it's news. Without seeing the video, I'm not sure if there is something specific in there or not, but I say, you go girl! I wish I had that kind of body and that kind of energy!

sistrkate · April 2011

daves_sweetpea:
There was an online article about her recently-maybe on the Enquirer? In the interview she talks about overcoming an abusive marriage, low self worth, etc. I think it's great that she was able to take charge of her life & find happiness, I really do. BUT I hate, hate, hate the way the NFL & other professional sports out so much emphasis on their cheerleaders' appearance & sexualize them, their routines, etc. I mean really, do they need to be shaking their asses & boobs while wearing almost no clothing for the team to win? I know it's a huge physical feat to be a cheerleader but I'd still respect her if she fought through everything in life and wound up earning a PhD, ran a marathon, or heck, even ran the NFL!

I sort of agree with this, except I guess I understand why they do it. They're catering to an audience of men who like to see scantily clad women while they drink beer and watch football. I'm obviously over-generalizing since I know that's not the entire fan base of NFL football, but it isn't going to change unless women want it to change.

I guess the part that really bothers me about this story is how everyone is harping on HOW OLD she is. No, she is not.

MandiNewMommy · April 2011

I think it is awesome...I say go for it!!!

Ttimes3 · April 2011

daves_sweetpea:

There was an online article about her recently-maybe on the Enquirer? In the interview she talks about overcoming an abusive marriage, low self worth, etc. I think it's great that she was able to take charge of her life & find happiness, I really do. BUT I hate, hate, hate the way the NFL & other professional sports out so much emphasis on their cheerleaders' appearance & sexualize them, their routines, etc. I mean really, do they need to be shaking their asses & boobs while wearing almost no clothing for the team to win? I know it's a huge physical feat to be a cheerleader but I'd still respect her if she fought through everything in life and wound up earning a PhD, ran a marathon, or heck, even ran the NFL!

This is pretty much what I kept thinking, as I watched the story, this morning. However, perhaps my perspective is colored by the fact that one of my high school friends is a (former) Ben-Gal, and I remember her experience as one that actually destroyed her confidence and self-esteem, instead of building it up. Very superficial.

Kle2922 · April 2011

They made a big deal about her being 40 when she made the team a few years ago. All I can say is, from our seats at the games....her boobs look like a flotation device.

Christine.Louie · April 2011

I didn't watch the video but wanted to chime in that I went to high-school with a former Bengal as well. She's a very thin girl and I remember seeing on her facebook that she was on a diet so she could "make weight" that week (or wouldn't be allowed to perform). I was pretty appalled at the thought that anyone would consider her weight an issue.

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