The National Football League (NFL) has witnessed a noticeable shift in recent years, as more male cheerleaders take the field alongside their female counterparts.
While the move has been celebrated by some as a step toward inclusivity, it has also ignited sharp debate on social media after the Minnesota Vikings fiercely defended their own men.
The Los Angeles Rams made history in 2018 when they allowed two male dancers to join their cheer squad. Since then, the trend has steadily gained momentum.
Today, roughly one-third of NFL teams now have male cheerleaders, including the New Orleans Saints, who reportedly have 12 men on their squad, and the Baltimore Ravens, who count 19 men among their ranks.
Legendary British swimmer and Olympic silver medalist Sharron Davies weighed in on the controversy, voicing support for the inclusion of men in cheerleading.
“I’m all for this,” Davies, 62, wrote on X. “Us females cannot have it every which way, if we want equality it must go both ways.”
Not all reactions have been positive. Social media has been flooded with criticism from fans questioning whether men belong in what has traditionally been a female-dominated arena.
“This is a dance team, they are NOT cheerleaders, men have no place here. Stop trying to turn this into a ‘men can’t be feminine’ argument,” one user wrote.
Another stated, “Women cannot compete with men in sport. There are no female NBA or NFL players.
Title IX is law for a reason, to protect women’s sports from being taken over and consumed by failed men.” A third user chimed in with sarcasm: “I’m sure you’re the biggest demographic they should cater to.”
Minnesota Vikings step up to support their cheerleaders
The Minnesota Vikings have emerged as a prominent defender of male cheerleaders, particularly after two of their dancers, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn, faced persistent homophobic and hateful backlash following their roster announcement.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Vikings have been actively engaging fans with social media content highlighting the team’s cheerleaders.
Earlier this month, the Vikings and their cheerleading squad shared a video on Instagram introducing all roster members, which included Shiek and Conn.
The backlash prompted the team to issue a statement, clarifying the role of male dancers in the NFL and emphasizing the rigorous standards each cheerleader must meet.
“While many fans may be seeing male cheerleaders for the first time at Vikings games, male cheerleaders have been part of previous Vikings teams and have long been associated with collegiate and professional cheerleading,” the statement read.
“In 2025, approximately one-third of NFL teams have male cheerleaders. Every member of the MinnesotaVikings Cheerleaders program has an impressive dance background and went through the same rigorous audition process.
Individuals were selected because of their talent, passion for dance, and dedication to elevating the game day experience.”
The Vikings concluded by reiterating their support for all cheerleaders: “We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization.”
The statement highlights the team’s commitment to talent and dedication over gender, sending a clear message about inclusivity in professional sports.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the conversation surrounding male cheerleaders reflects broader debates on gender, representation, and equality in traditionally female-dominated roles. While the backlash persists, teams like the Vikings are leading the way in challenging outdated norms and celebrating athleticism in all forms.
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