Vikings’ male cheerleaders hit back at critics after online uproar

Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn responded to critics who lambasted the Minnesota Vikings for adding them as cheerleaders for the team.

They appeared to poke back in a social media post following the heated backlash last week when the start of the preseason schedule revealed the male cheerleaders were part of the squad.

“Wait…did someone say our name?” Shiek wrote in a post on Instagram.

The post included a photo of the two in their cheer uniforms.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Blaize Shiek (@blaize_shiek)

The team defended Shiek and Conn following last week’s frenzy over the addition of the male cheerleaders.

“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 Vikings said in a statement last week.

“In 2025, approximately one-third of NFL teams have male cheerleaders. Every member of the Minnesota Vikings 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. We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization,” they added.

‘No one asked for this’: Minn Vikings face fierce criticism for adding flamboyant male cheerleaders https://t.co/Z1egnjfd3Z via @BIZPACReview

— BPR based (@DumpstrFireNews) August 15, 2025

According to Fox News, the Los Angeles Rams “were the first organization to have male cheerleaders, which occurred in 2018. The Baltimore Ravens also featured several men on their cheerleading squad. The Carolina Panthers had the first transgender cheerleader on its squad until this year.”