Former Three-time NFL Cheerleader and Kean student dominates

By Davaughnia Wilson | Published March 3, 2023

Social media and a quick impulsive decision opened the doors to amazing opportunities and taught one Kean University student the importance of resilience, passion, and power and ultimately being named a rookie candidate for the NY Jets Flight Crew. 

Megan Braine, a senior majoring in Elementary Education with a TSD in Special Education and also a former three-time NFL cheerleader, auditioned for the team spontaneously in 2019 and was featured in the audition series “Making the Squad” on the team’s YouTube channel. 

“I cheered for the New York Jets for three incredible seasons,” Braine said. “Dancing at Metlife Stadium for New York’s favorite NFL team was truly a pinch-me moment. Wearing the signature uniform will forever hold a special place in my heart and symbolize the dedication I put into that job as a performer and dancer.”

Braine said her experience with the team also taught her the importance of following her dreams and wishing she could relive those moments over and over again. 

“My time as an NFL Cheerleader was so rewarding and really gave me the ability to prove to myself that I am capable of whatever I put my mind to,” Braine said.  

At two-years-old, Braine began her career as a dancer following in the footsteps of her mother and sister who are also dancers. She danced competitively and was trained in a variety of styles including but not limited to ballet, hip-hop, tap, musical theatre, and her personal favorite, jazz. 

After graduating high school, Braine knew she wanted to continue dancing. She was motivated to follow her dreams as a professional dancer after being inspired by her fellow dancers and friends who followed theirs. Braine added that she was also a cheerleader growing up and by becoming an NFL cheerleader, she would be able to have “the best of both worlds.”

Braine said she got involved with the NY Jets because she appreciated what the organization had to offer. In 2019, she spontaneously registered for a prep class and ultimately fell in love with pro dance. 

In the Spring of 2020, Braine transferred to Kean from Middlesex community college where she was involved in the Middlesex Dance Ensemble directed by Aimee Sukel Mitacchione.

While Braine was not involved in any dance organizations at Kean,  she was actively involved in her family-owned dance company, Generations Dance Company.

Braine said she, her mother, and her sister always dreamed of opening their own dance studio and it took a lot of courage and determination. In 2021, Generations Dance Company was opened in Dunellen, New Jersey. 

“Our studio is currently in its second season and our dancer family is still growing,” Braine said. “Our dance studio is a space for all! We welcome anyone who is wanting to dance and continue to not only teach dance but teach our students about unity, teamwork, and how to express themselves.”

Dance is an intricate form of expression. From its various forms and styles to its technicality and free-flow movement. Braine describes it as influential and a special community to be associated with. Dance gave her the necessary tools that have allowed her to flourish into the woman she is today. 

It taught her beautiful ways to express her emotions and how to be compassionate, creative, disciplined, responsible, and driven. What she describes as positive characteristics that have influenced her lifestyle. 

Braine said when she started at Middlesex Community College she didn’t know what to expect or if dance would remain a part of her life. 

“My decision to go to MCC first instead of a four-year university allowed me to explore new opportunities and experiences. Cheering in the NFL is one of those,” Braine said.

Balancing life as a dancer and as a student has been a difficult task for Braine but her passion for both allowed her to triumph.  

After graduating in May 2023, Braine hopes to begin her career as an educator. She said to do what you love, what you’re studying and the possibilities aligned in your future is worth giving it your all. 

“My future goals include starting my career as an educator and becoming a teacher, continuing to grow my business at Generations Dance Company, and to continue to dance professionally,” Braine said. “I hope to achieve these goals and be an inspiration for others and show that you are able to have a successful career and still follow your dreams. You can do it all if you put your mind to it.”

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