Philly Leader

As the Salute to Service game approaches, Francesca Moore, a rookie on the Eagles Cheerleaders, reflects on her dual career in both cheerleading and the military. Moore is currently pursuing a master's degree in nursing at Johns Hopkins University and will serve as an active-duty military nurse for at least eight years after graduation.

Moore's journey into the military was not initially planned. "I did not know I was going to go into the military when I was growing up or even in high school," she shared. Inspired by family members with military backgrounds, including a cousin who attended West Point, Moore decided to pursue this path.

During her senior year of high school, Moore visited the Air Force Academy and felt an immediate connection. She began basic cadet training in 2019 and spent four years on active duty there, describing it as "one of the best experiences of my life." After graduating, she was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force and started her nursing education in Baltimore.

While attending graduate school, Moore pursued another lifelong dream: becoming an NFL cheerleader. "I've been a dancer my whole life and it has just been a lifelong dream to be an NFL cheerleader," she said. Making the team was "a dream come true" for her.

Balancing nursing school with cheerleading duties is challenging but manageable for Moore, thanks to her time at the Air Force Academy. "I love staying busy," she stated, crediting her ability to handle pressure to her rigorous academic and athletic schedule during her academy years.

The Salute to Service game holds special significance for Moore as both a cheerleader and a member of the military. "It's incredibly humbling," she remarked, reflecting on her family's service history and her role in paving new paths for others with diverse interests. As an officer, she will have the honor of saluting during the national anthem alongside her teammates.

– Written by Liam Wichser