In an article published on azcardinals.com, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs and cheerleader Ellie detailed both of their experiences with alopecia areata.
During tryouts for the team’s cheerleading squad in January 2023, Ellie explained that she first noticed that the hairline in the back of her head was higher than usual. After visiting her physician, she was diagnosed with alopecia. Ellie described feeling a lack of confidence initially, but she soon embraced her condition and shaved her head prior to an audition in May 2023. She emphasized that despite the immediate challenges, she was able to become a cheerleader for the football team.
Similarly, Mr. Dobbs decided to shave his head in college after receiving his alopecia diagnosis in third grade. Since joining the National Football League, he has been an advocate for patients at alopecia conventions. According to CBS News, Mr. Dobbs, who has since been signed to the Minnesota Vikings, sent an autographed jersey to a 7-year-old fan who also has alopecia. “For us, alopecia may be a little more visually visible to outside people looking in, but everyone’s going through something,” Mr. Dobbs underscored.
Mr. Dobbs and Ellie hope to continue to support each other as they manage their alopecia and use their platforms to empower others with the condition. “I went through a lot of learning to self-love through this process and gaining confidence. Your alopecia makes you beautiful, and the hair on your head does not define the type of person you are,” Ellie concluded.