There are now six NFL teams without an affiliated cheerleading squad -- the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bears and Packers, as well as Detroit and Minnesota, play in the NFC North division.

"The Ford Family is unwavering in their commitment to improving the Detroit Lions fan experience on and off the field," Lions president Rod Wood said in a statement. "After thorough consideration and receiving input from our fans through season ticket member surveys and focus groups, we believe that this is an opportunity to elevate our game day entertainment."

The Lions' cheerleaders will be introduced in August and will make their regular-season debut at the home opener on Sept. 18 against the Tennessee Titans.

"We have maintained all along that if we added cheerleaders it would be done the right way and hiring Rebecca is a great first step," Wood said. "Her experience locally and nationally will ensure that Detroit Lions cheerleaders will be great representatives of our team as well as ambassadors to the community."