Vikings defend male cheerleaders amid backlash

Two male Vikings cheerleaders face criticism from some fans after their inclusion in the 2025 squad.

Vikings defend male cheerleaders amid fan backlash

The Minnesota Vikings announced Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn as members of the 2025 Vikings Cheerleaders, a move that drew online backlash from a segment of fans. Shiek responded with a lighthearted Instagram post that included the line Wait... did someone say our name, signaling he will not be deterred by criticism. The Vikings added that male cheerleaders have historically appeared with the team and noted that about one third of NFL teams now feature men in their cheer squads. Both Shiek and Conn brought strong dance backgrounds and underwent the same audition process as other team members, the franchise said.

The episode shows how sports teams blend tradition with progress in a high-profile setting. By publicly defending the inclusion, the Vikings aim to keep sponsors and a broad fan base engaged while addressing a heated online debate. The response tests whether the league can embrace gender diversity without alienating core supporters, and whether social media will push teams toward cautious messaging or bold, inclusive leadership.

Looking ahead, the trend could push more teams to recruit male performers, reshaping game-day culture. Success will depend on clear communication, maintaining high performance standards, and showing fans that inclusion strengthens the sport rather than divides its audience.

Highlights

The league watches how teams balance heritage with a changing audience.