Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Claire Wolford has taken to social media to address detractors following her unexpected return to the field, filling in for Reece Weaver, who sustained an injury.

“I felt it was important to come on here and talk about something,” Claire, 26, shared in a TikTok video posted on Saturday, November 29. “I’ve seen a lot of comments lately and have been reflecting on my own growth.”

Earlier this month, Claire rejoined the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders temporarily to cover for the injured 23-year-old Reece, marking her first performance since she stepped down from the team in 2023.

“It all happened very quickly, and honestly, I’m proud of myself for stepping up,” she remarked about her brief return to the squad. “There have been numerous negative comments about my body. I just hope people understand… I spent years criticizing my own body, constantly exercising to fit a certain mold. I’ve moved past that and feel so much better about where I am now.”

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According to Claire, the spiteful fan comments no longer affect her personally.

“You never know who you are triggering,” she added, wiping away tears. “There are girls who see that and maybe are not the same … and it causes them to stumble and think about, ‘Am I too big? Am I thick?’ and all the words that were thrown out [about me]. Years ago, that would have thrown me into a spiral and sent me to the gym for hours.”

Claire continued, “I just want people to realize, it’s just not OK to comment on people’s bodies. … There’s a lot better things to talk about, and there’s a lot more interesting things about people than their bodies.”

Claire further implored social media users to “put a stop” to all the “nasty” comments about her — and anyone else’s — physical appearance.

“Just stop commenting on people’s bodies, good or bad,” Claire stated. “To be honest, [throughout the] majority of my DCC career, I worked out very hard, I ate well [and] all of my jobs were on my feet, and I was never going to be the skinniest person, and that’s just not how I’m built. That’s fine; I’m strong, I’m athletic — and my body can do great things.”

While Claire admitted that she isn’t able to hit the gym as regularly due to her demanding work schedules, she is still proud of her health.

“I am so happy, like, I am making a lot of life decisions. There’s a lot going on, and I feel great in my skin,” Claire said. “It took me a long time to get here to this point, where I feel content.”

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Several of Claire’s former DCC teammates offered their support in the comments section.

“Thank you for speaking on this, Claire. It’s so important for people to realize the power of their words and how there are certain topics that shouldn’t be spoken on,” alum Jada McLean replied. “You are a beautiful human inside and out, and I see the Lord in the way you love and defend others.”

Current cheerleader Charly Barby, for her part, called Claire her “biggest role model.”

“You are such a voice for everyone and are so loved by so many,” Charly, 24, wrote via TikTok comment. “You are beautiful and perfect beyond words. This is so important and so true. I adore you more than words can ever say.”