Alexa Flutie spent a lot of her life in the shadow of her father, the great football champion Doug Flutie. But Alexa was not content to be just the offspring of greatness -- she has created a cheer and dance career of her own. Now she's begun her own NFL legend -- as one of the New England Patriots cheerleaders! After the Cheer Channel profile of Alexa, we asked her to tell us about growing up with a famous dad and what it's like to be a Pro Cheerleader.
 
Cheer Channel, Inc: What was it like growing up as the daughter of a famous athlete?
 
Alexa Flutie: He’s my father, and like all father/daughter relationships, we do normal things. He taught me how to ride my bike and he always showed up at my dance and cheerleading competitions. The only difference was, instead of him going to work in an office, he was a professional athlete. I love my father. The one thing I don't like about having a famous dad, besides having to change the day we celebrate Christmas to ensure we’re all together, is how people know me. My title is "Doug Flutie's daughter," never just "Alexa Flutie." When my father played for San Diego I went to high school out there. The only people who knew my first name were the girls on my cheer team. Everyone else knew me as "Little Flutie."
CCI: How did you celebrate in the Flutie house when you got accepted to the Patriots cheerleaders?
AF: When I received the email and found out that I had been selected, I was so excited!  My parents weren't home at the time so I had to wait to tell them.  It was great to see the look on their faces when I finally did share the great news! They were so happy!
CCI: Has your father offered you advice that has helped in becoming a Patriots cheerleader?
AF: I would have to say the biggest help he offered me was during auditions. He told me how to get around Gillette Stadium! Now, when I have promotional appearances at the stadium I know exactly where in the stadium I have to go!
I think my dad learned from me while I was going through the audition process. Every time I came home after tryouts or boot camp he would ask me how it went and how I thought I compared to the other ladies. I would express that it went well but I didn’t know where I stood at this time against the other women because I wasn't focusing on them. I explained that when I audition I try not to think about how talented the people around me might be. It’s about what I have to offer that’s important. I don't worry about how well the person beside me does because in the end it's only about what I have to bring to the table and what makes me stand out. He always tells me to be myself, so that's what I do during any audition.
CCI: How are the Patriots Cheerleaders looking this year?
AF: The cheerleaders are looking great this year! From day one we’ve been working out and preparing for the football season, even training during the lockout. This year is going to be fun! Our squad is like one big family. As the year goes on, the bond becomes stronger and we become even closer. This is going to be a great season!
We look forward to hearing more great things from Alex and the New England Patriots cheerleaders. For more Pro Cheerleading News, visit CCI's Pro Channel.
Front Page Photo: Aruba.com