Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Director Diagnosed with Skin Cancer

Kelli Finglass urges followers to take skin checks seriously after revealing her own Squamous Cell Carcinoma diagnosis.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Kelli Finglass, the director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, has been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. Finglass shared the news on Instagram, noting that four of the five biopsies came back clear but the fifth spot was cancerous. She will undergo Mohs micrographic surgery to remove the cancerous area and is using her platform to emphasize the importance of regular skin checks, as the problematic spots are not always the obvious ones.

Why it matters

Skin cancer is incredibly common, yet frequently regarded as a "second-rate fear" compared to other forms of cancer. Finglass' diagnosis and openness about her experience highlights the need for greater awareness and vigilance around skin health, especially for those in the public eye who may be more susceptible to sun exposure.

The details

Finglass shared a joint Instagram post with her dermatologist revealing the results of five skin biopsies. Four of the spots came back clear, but the fifth is a Squamous Cell Carcinoma, for which Finglass will schedule a Mohs micrographic surgery. Squamous cell is the second-most-common form of skin cancer and can be cured when treated early. Finglass has already had three such procedures in the past, one on her arm and two on her calf.

  • Finglass shared the news of her diagnosis on February 13, 2026.

The players

Kelli Finglass

The director of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders since 1991, who has transformed the squad into a globally-recognized brand.

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

The professional cheerleading squad for the Dallas Cowboys football team, known for their high-profile performances and appearances.

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What they’re saying

“It's the ones that we don't look at or see that are problematic.”

— Kelli Finglass, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Director (chron.com)

“I often read (about) famous people and VIPs on social media who laugh about getting sunburned at the beach in the summer and proudly show the tan lines left by their swimsuits on their bodies. But would anyone joke about a breast tumor???”

— Anonymous commenter (chron.com)

What’s next

Finglass will schedule a Mohs micrographic surgery to remove the cancerous area.

The takeaway

Finglass' diagnosis and openness about her experience highlights the need for greater awareness and vigilance around skin health, especially for those in the public eye who may be more susceptible to sun exposure. Her message emphasizes the importance of regular skin checks, as the problematic spots are not always the obvious ones.