Denver Broncos Cheerleader Berkleigh Wright Makes Her Sizzling 'Sports Illustrated Swimsuit' Rookie Debut

Stacey Ritzen
·2 min read
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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is debuting the winners of its 2023 Swim Search for the magazine's 60th anniversary issue, hitting newsstands this month. And this week, the glossy publication put a spotlight on Denver Broncos cheerleader Berkleigh Wright, who is likewise making her rookie debut.

But Wright, who was named Denver Broncos Cheerleader of the Year in 2022, is more than just a model and cheerleader. The 29-year-old Kansas native is also employed as a technical account manager and analyst for her day job, and considers herself a "businesswoman at heart."

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While being photographed for the spread in Belize, Wright explained how she hopes her newfound fame might challenge common stereotypes when it comes to swimsuit models.

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“A common misconception that a lot of people have about me is that cheerleading and modeling is my full-time gig, when really I went to school for strategic communications and business and psychology,” Wright told SI Swim. “I work in the tech industry and I hustle day in and day out. I'm in meetings and I am managing all of these different things."

"I think a lot of people tend to forget that models are regular humans with depth and stories to share," she continued. "That’s one thing that I really want to have people keep in mind when they’re picturing Sports Illustrated models because there are so many fun facts about us or stories that you have yet to learn."

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Wright joins newcomers Lori Harvey, veteran model Sharina Gutierrez, retired university associate dean Nina Cash, Brittany Mahomes, British model Penny Lane, and Olivia Dunne, among others, in the 60th anniversary issue.

"Berkleigh's journey, from her academic endeavors at the University of Kansas to her leadership in the Broncos Cheerleading squad, illustrates a fusion of intellect, ambition, and magnetic charm," remarked Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor in chief MJ Day. "Now making her debut as a Rookie in the 2024 issue, Berkleigh embodies excitement and unwavering determination, serving as an inspiration for others to chase their dreams."

You can see the rest of the photos from Wright's sizzling photoshoot here.