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In a significant departure from tradition, 12 NFL teams have introduced male cheerleaders to their squads for the 2025 season.
This move marks a pivotal step towards inclusivity and reflects broader cultural shifts within the league.
While the decision has been met with enthusiasm by many, it has also sparked controversy among some fans.
A new era in NFL cheerleading
Historically, NFL cheerleading squads have been predominantly female. However, the 2025 season sees a notable change, with teams like the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and Indianapolis Colts welcoming male performers to their cheerleading teams.
The Minnesota Vikings, in particular, have garnered attention by adding two male cheerleaders, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn, signaling a shift in the league’s approach to gender roles in sports entertainment.
The inclusion of male cheerleaders is not limited to these teams. Other franchises embracing this change include the Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs,Indianapolis Colts, and Washington Commanders.
This collective move indicates a broader trend towards gender inclusivity in the NFL’s cheerleading culture.
Fan reactions: A mixed response
Male cheerleaders are not entirely new to the NFL; the Los Angeles Rams first introduced them in 2018, with the addition of Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies, who performed during Super Bowl LIII, the first male cheerleaders to do so. By the 2024 season, several teams had followed suit.
The introduction of male cheerleaders has elicited a range of reactions from fans. While some supporters view this as a progressive step towards inclusivity, others have expressed discomfort, with a few threatening to cancel their season tickets in protest.
In Minnesota, for instance, the addition of Shiek and Conn has led to backlash, with some fans threatening to cancel their season tickets over the decision.
Similarly, former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown faced criticism after making an offensive remark about one of the Vikings’ male cheerleaders, further fueling the controversy.
In a post on X, he referred to Shiek using a derogatory term, labeling him the “F–got of the Day.”
The offensive comment quickly garnered backlash from fans and commentators alike, reigniting discussions about Brown’s controversial past and his tendency to make inflammatory statements.
In response to the backlash, Shiek took to social media, posting a succinct message: “See you at 3.” This four-word reply has since gone viral, resonating with supporters who appreciate his resilience and commitment to his role.
As the 2025 NFL season progresses, the presence of male cheerleaders will likely continue to spark discussions about tradition, inclusivity, and the evolving role of gender in sports.
This news was originally published on this post .
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