US Edition‘No One Asked for This’: America in Meltdown as Male Cheerleaders Hit Back
The Minnesota Vikings defended their male cheerleaders amid homophobic backlash, noting about one-third of NFL teams now include male dancers, reflecting broader changes in sports culture.
- The Minnesota Vikings announced male cheerleaders Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn for their 2025 squad amid backlash on social media last week.
- This follows the Los Angeles Rams pioneering male NFL cheerleaders in 2018, a practice now present on about one-third of NFL teams in 2025.
- The Vikings defended their selections, stating all cheerleaders completed rigorous auditions emphasizing dance skill, athleticism, and teamwork regardless of gender.
- Blaize Shiek replied to online hate jokingly, "Wait&did someone say our name?" while supporters like Torrey Smith urged, "If he wants to cheer, let him cheer."
- The inclusion of male cheerleaders reflects a broader NFL trend amid ongoing cultural debates over gender roles and sports amid conservative political pressure.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Vikings face backlash after two male cheerleaders join team
The Minnesota Vikings are showing support for the team’s two male cheerleaders who have faced homophobic and hateful backlash since joining the squad. CNN’s Boris Sanchez speaks with Napoleon Jinnies of the Los Angeles Rams cheer squad about the issue.
NFL male cheerleaders respond to homophobes in the best possible way
Two of the Minnesota Vikings’ male cheerleaders just clapped back at homophobic right-wing critics in the best, most unbothered way possible. In the past week, conservative commentators, right-wing athletes and celebrities have thrown a strop on social media about male cheerleaders in the NFL. Former popular actor Kevin Sorbo, who kissed a man in Meet the Spartans (2008) – often ranked among the worst films ever made – said: “I’ve been a Vikings…
The Independent
The Independent (US)NFL male cheerleader claps back after MAGA hand-wringing: ‘Did someone say our name’
About one-third of NFL teams have male cheerleaders on their squads
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Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
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