Republican Senator Sounds Alarm on Male NFL Cheerleaders

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., criticized the Minnesota Vikings’ inclusion of male cheerleaders, saying it represents a broader push to introduce gender narratives into professional sports.

The Vikings’ cheerleading squad, including newcomers Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn, has drawn attention on social media since the start of the preseason. Some fans have expressed opposition to male cheerleaders, sparking debate about tradition and gender roles in the NFL.

Tuberville spoke on OutKick’s “Hot Mic” on Tuesday, addressing NFL leadership directly. “I would like to ask the ownership of the NFL and the commissioner, what the hell are you doing?” he said, calling the league “woke” and warning that fan support could decline if masculinity is sidelined in men’s sports.

The senator also singled out the Vikings as a team in a “blue state” pushing progressive policies. He cautioned that similar approaches in southern NFL markets could negatively impact ticket sales and fan engagement.

In response, the Minnesota Vikings issued a statement defending Shiek and Conn. “Male cheerleaders have been part of previous Vikings teams and have long been associated with collegiate and professional cheerleading,” the team told NBC News. “We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization.”

Shiek and Conn are both in their first season with the Vikings. The debate over male cheerleaders continues to highlight differing perspectives among fans and public figures regarding tradition and inclusion in professional sports.