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Jets Flight Crew
Formation2006; 18 years ago (2006)
Director
Denise Garvey
Captain
Gina G
AffiliationsNew York Jets
WebsiteOfficial Website
Formerly called
  • Jets Flag Crew (2006)
  • New York Jets Flight Crew (2007–2022)

The New York Jets Flight Crew, recognized as the official cheerleading squad for the New York Jets, a prominent team in the National Football League (NFL). This dynamic group was originally founded in 2006 under the name New York Jets Flag Crew, featuring a small ensemble of six talented female flag carriers. Among them was Gina G., a standout from Kings Park, New York, whose exceptional performance skills and leadership were instrumental in driving the crew to immediate success and popularity.

The crowd went wild, and the demand for more excitement from the squad grew, leading to the formation of the inaugural New York Jets Flight Crew in 2007. This transformation marked a new chapter, as the team expanded and embraced a full cheerleading format. The Flight Crew quickly became a beloved part of the Jets’ game-day experience, capturing the spirit of the fans and adding an electrifying presence to the sidelines. Their choreographed routines, high-energy performances, and infectious smiles captivated the audience, solidifying their role as a vital component of the Jets’ tradition.

Currently, the Flight Crew is on hiatus until 2024 as they undergo a rebranding initiative. Despite this pause in performances, the members of the squad remain actively engaged in charitable endeavors, representing the Jets at various community events and continuing to make a positive impact.

History

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Jets Flag Crew

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The Jets Flag Crew made its debut on October 15, 2006, during a highly anticipated home game against their division rivals, the Miami Dolphins. This marked a significant moment for the New York Jets, as the team introduced this unique squad to enhance the game-day experience. The Jets emphasized that the crew consisted of talented female members who took on the role of "flag carriers," distinguishing themselves from traditional cheerleaders. This innovative approach was designed to bring a fresh energy to the sidelines while still honoring the longstanding tradition of cheerleading in the NFL. The crew's primary function was to energize the crowd and showcase their support for the team through vibrant flag displays and engaging performances.[1] The team stressed that the crew, composed of females who relieved their male counterparts, were "flag carriers" and not cheerleaders.[1][2]

Jets Flight Crew

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Jets Flight Crew cheerleaders aboard the amphibious transport USS New York (LPD-21)
Flight Crew members perform in a 2009 game against the Philadelphia Eagles
A Flight Crew member in a 2009 game against the Philadelphia Eagles

The Jets officially announced the creation of the Jets Flight Crew on August 7, 2007.[3] The Flag Crew had been well received the previous year, and the team felt it best to take the next step and organize an official squad that could actively participate during home games.[4] The intention of the crew was to "enhance the overall fan experience by bringing additional energy and enthusiasm to each home game."[3]

Jets Flight Crew cheerleaders, with Jets Flight Crew Director Denise Garvey, during a 2008 game against the Miami Dolphins

Denise Garvey, a former Knicks City Dancer and Cowboys cheerleader, was brought in to coordinate the squad.[3] Given her expertise and experience in performance and dance, Garvey, with the support of the organization, held closed auditions, inviting 46 young women to try out for the squad.[3] Of the 46, ten were chosen to become the first members of the Jets Flight Crew.[3] The organization continued to stress that the squad was not cheerleaders but rather a unique flag carrier/dance team.[5]

Following their inaugural season, the Flight Crew held open auditions for the first time in 2008, increasing the number of members from 10 to 22, as the squad had been well received among the fans in 2007.[6][7] The Jets announced their partnership with Marc Eckō, founder of Eckō Unltd., who agreed to design the Flight Crew's 2008 uniforms.[8]

The Flight Crew was expanded from 22 to 30 members in 2009.[9] In 2010, the Jets, again, increased the size of the crew to as many as 40 members with Garvey noting that "We want to be the biggest presence we can be in the new stadium."[10]

Calendar

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In 2009, a Flight Crew swimsuit calendar was introduced, a testament to the squad's growing importance within the organization and in the community.[11] The 2010 calendar featured members of the 2009 squad on beaches in New York and New Jersey while Linda W. served as the cover model.[11][12] The following year, shooting for the 2011 calendar took place in Aruba.[13]

Junior Program

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Jets Junior Flight Crew

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The organization introduced the Jets Junior Flight Crew in 2010, a junior program that offers children the opportunity to train with the Flight Crew while improving their "talent and abilities in a non-competitive environment."[14]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Shorenstein, Marissa (October 22, 2006). "Wave Hello to New Flag Carriers". New York Jets. Archived from the original on December 28, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  2. ^ "No Penalty for These Flags". Newsday. October 25, 2006.
  3. ^ a b c d e Shorenstein, Marissa (August 7, 2007). "Jets Flight Crew Preparing for Takeoff". New York Jets. Archived from the original on December 28, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  4. ^ "Jets' Flight Crew Set for Takeoff". New York Daily News. Mortimer Zuckerman. August 8, 2007. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  5. ^ Allen, Eric (September 4, 2007). "View the Jets Flight Crew Before the Big Debut". New York Jets. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  6. ^ Jets PR Department (March 20, 2008). "Garvey Paves the Way for Crew's Expansion". New York Jets. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  7. ^ Jets PR Department (March 5, 2008). "Expanded Flight Crew Announces Open Auditions". New York Jets. Archived from the original on December 28, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  8. ^ "Marc Ecko to Design Flight Crew's '08 Uniforms". New York Jets. May 9, 2008. Archived from the original on December 28, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  9. ^ Carlson, Tim (June 9, 2009). "An Official Cheer for the 2009 Flight Crew". New York Jets. Archived from the original on October 15, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  10. ^ Allen, Eric (January 27, 2010). "Growing Flight Crew Accepting '10". New York Jets. Archived from the original on January 31, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  11. ^ a b Lange, Randy (September 10, 2010). "Calendar Event Is a Sign of the Crew's Growth". New York Jets. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  12. ^ "Crew's Next Timely Project: Swimsuit Calendar". New York Jets. May 13, 2009. Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  13. ^ "Auditions, Aruba Calendar Shoot Ahead". New York Jets. April 27, 2010. Archived from the original on September 1, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
  14. ^ "NY Jets Junior Flight Crew Cheerleader General Information". New York Jets. January 27, 2010. Archived from the original on August 27, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2010.
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