7 Breathtaking Red Swimsuit Photos of Retired NFL Cheerleader Berkleigh Wright in Belize

The model was featured as a rookie in May’s SI Swimsuit Issue.

Ananya Panchal | Jul 21, 2024

Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Berkleigh Wright, a 2024 SI Swimsuit rookie, is marking major milestones this year. After co-winning last year’s Swim Search, she traveled to Belize for her photo shoot with Derek Kettela. The Kansas native‘s time on location with the brand was “unlike anything” she could have imagined.

“I felt so comfortable and natural and beautiful and the support and love I got was incredible. I took this leap of faith because I feel that Sports Illustrated [Swimsuit] is a world-class organization that embodies everything I strive to be as a woman,” Wright shared. “It extends beyond beauty: they stand for being a strong individual with depth, brains, kindness and integrity. A brand that celebrates everyone’s differences, exhibiting that our imperfections are what makes us beautiful. SI Swim helped me embrace those ideals in myself, and now I strive to imprint that mindset in others.”

The 30-year-old, who just celebrated her milestone birthday earlier this week, also made the decision to retire from being a Denver Broncos cheerleader this year. After five phenomenal years with the team, and two seasons as a captain, the model is moving to Los Angeles. The technical account manager/analyst, who studied strategic communications, business and psychology in college, works a day job at Oracle, but she’s looking forward to pursing modeling and content creation more in the coming years. She also uses her platform to connect with reading enthusiasts through her Bookin it With Berk book club, and always encourages people to be kind to others.

Below are seven phenomenal photos from her 2024 rookie photo shoot. View Wright’s full gallery here.

Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Toxic Sadie Swimwear. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus.Glasses by Oscar x Frank. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Ema Savahl Couture. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Bolero by Free People. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Asherah Swimwear. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Ola Vida. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Berkleigh Wright was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Frankies Bikinis. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Published Jul 21, 2024

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit, where she covers fashion, beauty, pop culture and the internet’s favorite personalities and trends. She joined the brand in 2022 after roles at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. Panchal loves to write about fashion in all its forms—from standout runway moments and evolving street style to the best accessories to elevate each season’s wardrobe (she rarely goes anywhere without a stack of jewelry and a coffee in hand). A self-proclaimed beauty fanatic, she’s always on the hunt for must-have products and loves breaking down viral trends. Her favorite series at the moment is spotlighting female founders and the stories behind the brands they’ve built—especially those shaping the future of fashion, wellness and tech. She is based between New York City and San Francisco and, when she’s not writing, can be found rewatching One Tree Hill, playing sudoku, trying new restaurants or ranking her favorite Disney Channel Original Movies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in criminal justice from Boston University.