NFL fans are expressing widespread frustration after the league announced that a record 12 teams will feature male cheerleading squads during the 2025–2026 season.
While the move is intended to broaden participation and diversity on the sidelines, it has sparked complaints from longtime supporters who say it marks yet another “woke” turn for professional football.
The Minnesota Vikings have drawn particular attention for dedicating space on the sideline to an all-male cheerleading division led by Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn.
Social media reactions have been intense, including a clash between former NFL player Antonio Brown and Shiek. Brown directed an anti-gay slur at Shiek, who responded, “See you at 3.”
Fans on X voiced sharp reactions to the Vikings’ decision.
Graham Allen, founder of Dear America, wrote, “This is just disgusting.”
“I just threw up in my mouth..” wrote MJTruthUltra. “This is disgusting… If you watch NFL, you are contributing to young children being subjected to this…”
Grant Godwin, creator of The Typical Liberal, added, “THIS IS GAY.”
In New Orleans, the Saints‘ decision to hire 13 men while dismissing three women from the 2025 Saints Cheer Krewe roster has fueled further fan dissatisfaction.
Although male cheerleaders have existed in the NFL since 2018, their growing visibility has sparked criticism among fans who argue the league is prioritizing social commentary over the game itself.
As a result, many NFL fans threatened to cancel season tickets over the issue.
Other teams incorporating male cheerleaders for the 2025–2026 season include the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers, per Trending Politics.
The Vikings defended their hiring decisions in a statement to the Daily Mail.
“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 team said.
The Vikings stated that roughly one-third of NFL teams now have male cheerleaders, all selected through “rigorous” auditions and possessing strong dance experience.
“Individuals were selected because of their talent, passion for dance, and dedication to elevating the game day experience,” the statement continued. “We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization.”
This controversy comes amid the NFL’s broader attempts to pivot away from social justice messaging that surged after George Floyd’s death in 2020.
Anti-racism messages in end zones were removed, and the league discontinued performances of the “black national anthem” in 2023 after negative crowd reactions.
Despite these changes, the addition of male cheerleaders has reignited debates over the NFL’s focus on social issues.
The NFL’s recent decision to feature male cheerleaders reflects a broader trend across professional sports leagues toward engaging with social and political issues.
While these moves are intended to promote “inclusivity,” they have also sparked debates about the role of politics in sports, with some fans and figures advocating for a return to a more traditional, apolitical focus.
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Author: Gloriel Howard
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