A DALLAS COWBOYS cheerleader was left in tears after taking a brutal hit from the football.
The Cowboys took on the Washington Commanders in their final match of the regular NFL season.
But there was drama after a major blunder from Brandon Aubrey.
Aubrey, 29, had just kicked a 34-yarder and restarted the game with a kick from halfway.
It looked as though the placekicker was attempting a low-line drive.
However, he got it all wrong and the ball skewed left off his usually reliable boot and flew straight out of play.
But the gifting of the penalty to the Commanders on their 40-yard line was not the end of the matter.
Because video footage showed the football soar over the sidelines and directly towards the performing Cowboys cheerleaders facing away from the field towards the crowd at the AT&T Stadium.
And in an unfortunate twist of fate, it rocketed directly into the head of one of the glamorous stars.
Rookie dancer Michelle Siemienowski took the heavy hit and immediately collapsed to the floor.
Her fellow cheerleaders immediately stopped their performance to check on their pal.
And Washington punter Tress Way also halted his warm-up on the sidelines to make sure she was okay.
Crouching down, Siemienowski put on a brave face as she wiped her hair away and tried to smile through the pain, reassuring the others she was not seriously hurt.
A second camera angle actually showed a TV cameraman trying to stop the ball hurtling towards the cheerleaders but could not prevent the full-on contact.
Siemienowski was later shown regaining her composure and laughing, taking deep breaths and chatting – although tears had visibly rolled down her cheeks, presumably from the shock of the incident.
The Californian then wafted her face with her hand while sat down while another cheerleader gave her a cup of water.
Siemienowski posted various videos of the incidents and added some captions.
The former UC Santa Barbara dancer wrote: “I’m alright everyone.
“Claiming the motto: cry now, laugh later!”
It was a double blow for Siemienowski as Dallas lost 23-19 and missed out on a spot in the playoffs.
But she was inundated with messages of support following her unlikely moment in the NFL spotlight.
One said: “Taking hits for the crew better than the entire team did this season.”
Another wrote: “She takes that hit like a warrior.”
A third added: “It’s not a good rookie season if something exciting doesn’t happen – glad you’re okay bestie!”
A fourth commented: “You’re a champ.”
A fifth replied: “We were so worried for you! You handled it all like a pro. We love you, Ski!”
And a final user typed: “You are such a trooper. I love you!”
