Hello Redskins Fans!  I just arrived home from an amazing time at the Pro Bowl in Miami, Florida. It was such an honor to be selected by my teammates and to represent the cheerleaders this season! I wanted to share some of my experiences with the Redskins Nation.

Day 1-January 25- I arrived in the evening on Monday night and headed straight to our hotel. I met my roommate Shannon from the St. Louis Rams and started meeting some of my new teammates- the 26 ladies representing the NFL teams for the AFC and NFC.   Our first event included a cheerleader and mascot dinner. We got right down to business and started preparing for the week ahead.

Day 2-January 26- It is a bright and sunny day here in Florida and eager to kick off the week of events. this morning we started practicing as a team and reviewing choreography. Each cheerleader was required to learn 9 routines prior to arriving to FL.  After practice we headed off to take the 2010 Pro Bowl Cheerleader Team Photo.  It was a perfect day to be on the beach at the Mandarin Orient Hotel! In the afternoon we had some time to shop in downtown Miami, visit Nikki Beach and dine at Gloria Estefan’s restaurant-Lario on the Beach.

Day 3- January 27- This morning we headed out early at 5:30am to visit a few radio stations to help listeners win tickets to the game Sunday. After a short practice, we visited the local boys and girls club. The kids were so excited to see the cheerleaders and mascots. There were plenty of Skins fans in the bunch!  The evening was topped off with an NFL Welcome Reception at the Marriot Hotel where the cheerleaders had some down time to enjoy some fantastic food and get to know each other a little better.

Day 4-January 28- It’s already Thursday. Today we visited the YET Center where local kids were honored for participating in the NFL’s Play60 and raising over 24,000 items for underprivileged children!  The cheerleaders and mascots surprised the kids with an appearance and performance. Next, we headed to the W Hotel where we took a beautiful ride on a G92 mega-yacht ride down the Intercoastal.  Our final event for the day included an AMAZING fashion show at the W Hotel Miami. It was an absolute blast! Each of the ladies performed and strutted down the runway in “team inspired” swimsuits.

Day 5- January 29- Today is another busy day starting with an early morning practice at the Dolphins practice bubble.  Our next stop included the Battle of the Beauties at Ocean Manor Hotel. The battle included tug of war, flag football, volleyball and an obstacle course with the AFC and NFC cheerleaders competing.  I’m happy to report the NFC won, walking away with a few bumps and bruises!!! The event was followed by a VIP Charity Reception with an appearance by the cheerleaders.  The day wasn’t finished quite yet-we headed back to Dolphins practice bubble for another practice to prepare for tomorrow’s open practice.

Day 6- January 30- Today we performed at an open practice at Lockhart Stadium where we signed autographs for fans attending the AFC and NFC practices.  I met several Skins fans who made the trek to Florida to support Fletcher and Orakpo! After another short practice, we had the night off to enjoy dinner in the Miami area. I joined Julie from the Patriots and dined at a J. Alexander’s Restaurant. It was perfect downtime to relax before the big game tomorrow.

Day 7-January 31- Game Day is finally here!!! I am so excited about the game today. We started early with appearances all around the stadium including autograph signings, cheering on some flag football games and meeting fans. At game time, it hit me that I was here representing my entire team and was overwhelmed with appreciation and excitement. The entire day has been a rush, but walking out on the field was an experience that will stay with me forever. I didn’t want the game to end! Even with the rain-it was still a fantastic game!

Day 8- February 1- Its Monday morning and I am returning home. I had such a spectacular week and will never forget the amazing events and new friends I have made. This is my last season as a Cheerleader and I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect ending to a perfect 6 seasons as a Redskins Cheerleader.  It has been an honor to be the 2010 Pro Bowl cheerleader and I want to send hugs to all of my teammates and of course-all of the Redskins fans!!!  Thanks for making my retirement so special!

Cheers!

Heather