The Minnesota Vikings’ recent addition of male cheerleaders has sparked a wave of controversy. Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn, rookies on the squad, quickly became the center of social media debates and conservative criticism.
Former Vikings player and conservative activist Jack Brewer told Fox News Digital he was “disgusted and embarrassed” by the move. “As a former Viking team captain who grew up a Viking fan, my dad’s been a Viking fan since 1972, I’ve never been so disgusted and embarrassed to even have any association with the Minnesota Vikings brand,” Brewer said.
Brewer added that male cheerleaders risk “manipulating children” by presenting a different image of masculinity. He specifically claimed it could impact boys from single-parent households.
Conservative voices like Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., also weighed in, suggesting that including men on NFL cheer squads undermines traditional gender roles in sports. “People will actually quit buying tickets because this is the narrative they’re trying to push,” Tuberville said.
Vikings Stand Firm
Despite the criticism, the Vikings have firmly defended Shiek and Conn. A team spokesperson told NBC News, “Male cheerleaders have been part of previous Vikings teams and have long been associated with collegiate and professional cheerleading. We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization.”
The team noted that about one-third of NFL teams currently feature male cheerleaders. Both Shiek and Conn bring dance and performance experience, with Conn coming from the Iowa State Cyclones dance team.
Blake and Louie Clap Back
Shiek and Conn have not stayed silent amid the backlash. Taking to Instagram, Shiek jokingly posted, “Wait…did someone say our name?” alongside a photo of himself and Conn in their cheer uniforms. The lighthearted post highlighted their enthusiasm and rookie pride.
The Vikings have reiterated that the men were selected for their “talent, passion for dance, and dedication to elevating the game day experience.” Critics have argued that their style mirrors traditional female cheerleading moves rather than classic male stunts, but Shiek and Conn appear unfazed.
By addressing detractors with humor and confidence, the two cheerleaders have helped shift the conversation from controversy to celebration of skill and inclusion.
A Growing Trend
Male cheerleaders are not new in professional sports. The Los Angeles Rams first added men to their squad in 2018, and the Baltimore Ravens followed. The Carolina Panthers previously featured a transgender cheerleader, showcasing the NFL’s slow but steady diversification of sideline performers.
For Shiek and Conn, the season promises more than just pom-poms, it’s a chance to redefine what it means to cheer, on their own terms, while taking criticism in stride and proving their place in the NFL spotlight.
