Photos: Saying goodbye to eight veteran Denver Broncos cheerleaders

Like the Denver Broncos football team, which has lost some key players between last season and this one (so long, Champ Bailey), the Broncos cheerleading squad is bidding farewell to eight veterans -- and paying tribute on the outfit's Facebook page. Among those leaving is one member consistently picked among...

By Michael Roberts

June 19, 2014

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Like the Denver Broncos football team, which has lost some key players between last season and this one (so long, Champ Bailey), the Broncos cheerleading squad is bidding farewell to eight veterans -- and paying tribute on the outfit's Facebook page. Among those leaving is one member consistently picked among the NFL's hottest cheerleaders, who was also "top sales person in the country for a major medical device company in 2013." No word as to whether she sells defibrillators.

Look below to see photos of each member moving on, featuring goodbye text from the Facebook page that reveals the reasons why they're going -- including weddings aplenty and an entry into medical school. Get the specifics below.

Farewell Tara!

The Denver Broncos thank Tara Battiato for five dedicated seasons as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader. Tara was a team captain for 4 out of her 5 years and Pro Bowl Representative in 2012. We wish Tara the best of luck as the new Manager of Cheerleaders for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Continue for more photographic farewells to veteran Denver Broncos cheerleaders. Farewell Tristan!

Farewell to Tristan! We are so proud of Tristan and her acceptance into the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado. Soon she will be Dr. Dear! Thank you for three amazing seasons as a Broncos Cheerleader!

Continue for more photographic farewells to veteran Denver Broncos cheerleaders. Farewell Toni D!

Congratulations to Toni on her recent wedding and best wishes for her new life in Minnesota. Toni D. was our Swimsuit Calendar Cover girl for 2012 & 2014. We will miss you! Thank you for three years of hard work, dedication and bleeding Broncos orange & blue!

Continue for more photographic farewells to veteran Denver Broncos cheerleaders. Farewell Lauren!

After finishing three seasons with the Broncos Cheerleaders, Lauren will be traveling through Europe for the next year! Thank you for your dedication to the Denver Broncos, our Junior Cheer program and your dynamic performances on the field. Safe travels Lauren!

Continue for more photographic farewells to veteran Denver Broncos cheerleaders. Farewell Heather!

What a year for Heather! Recently engaged, Selected as our 2013 Pro Bowl Representative and a trip to New York for the Super Bowl! We will miss Heather for her leadership, hard work and four years on the field as a Denver Broncos Cheerleader!

Continue for more photographic farewells to veteran Denver Broncos cheerleaders. Farewell Lelanna!

Farewell to Lelanna & thank you for three dedicated years as a Broncos Cheerleader! Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! We will miss you!

Continue for more photographic farewells to veteran Denver Broncos cheerleaders. Farewell Lindy!

One of the few 5 year team members! Lindy was voted DBC of the Year for 2013 by her teammates and has represented the Denver Broncos on military tours to Iraq, Kuwait and Djibouti, Africa! We thank you for all your hard work and hours of service on behalf of the Denver Broncos!

Continue for more photographic farewells to veteran Denver Broncos cheerleaders. Farewell Candace!

Candace has had many accomplishments over the past four years as a Broncos Cheerleader -- consistently in the Top 10 Hottest Cheerleaders in the NFL (fan voting), selected for a photo shoot in ESPN Magazine with Ron Burgundy and graced the cover of the 2011 Denver Broncos Cheerleader Swimsuit Calendar. Not to mention top sales person in the country for a major medical device company in 2013. Best of luck to Candace! We will miss you!

Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.

More from our Photos archive circa March 31: "Photos: Broncos cheerleader auditions 2014."

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

Contact: Michael Roberts

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