Male Cheerleaders In Nfl Cause Backlash

Minnesota Vikings said they were ‘proud’ to have male cheerleaders - Getty Images/Stephen Maturen

NFL teams have defended the use of male cheerleaders following a backlash after 12 franchises signed up performers for the 2025 season.

Since the first team brought in a male cheerleader for the 2018 campaign, the number of franchises abandoning the female-only tradition has steadily grown. New Orleans Saints will reportedly have a total of 12 men among 47 performers on the 2025 Saints Cheer Krewe Roster. Three of their women were replaced this season following try-outs.

The Minnesota Vikings, who had been singled out for fan criticism on social media as well as from a former NFL placekicker, have since issued a statement saying the team was “proud” to have 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 franchise said.

“In 2025, approximately one third of NFL teams have male cheerleaders. Every member of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders programme 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 organisation.”

Clay Higgins, the Republican congressman, also criticised the use of male cheerleaders, saying: “I don’t think the NFL actually wants conservatives to watch their football games. And I must say if that’s the NFL business model, they’re doing very, very well.”

‘Outrage over nothing’

Jay Feely, who represented Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants during his NFL career, said: “Why are we trying to have men replace women in sports? It’s not safe and it’s unfair.

”We have to continually find ways to protect women and women’s sports, and when I’m in congress, I will be a fearless defender of girls’ sports.” 

A total of seven teams had male cheerleaders in 2014. With the issue becoming a talking point in the US, Joy Taylor, a Fox Sports presenter, hit back at critics.

“So teaching kids slavery was not a big deal is acceptable but male cheerleaders is where ‘conservatives’ draw the line,” she wrote on social media alongside three laughing emojis. “Also this isn’t new so as usual, outrage over nothing.”

The Los Angeles Rams broke with tradition in 2018 when they added Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies to their dance squad.

One male Vikings cheerleader, Blaize Shiek, appeared to take a dig at his critics after making his NFL debut.

Sharing a photo waving a golden pom-pom alongside another male cheerleader, he wrote: “wait... did someone say our name?”

Sharron Davies, an avid campaigner for women’s rights in sport, said: “I’m all for this. Us females cannot have it every which way, if we want equality it must go both ways.”

Other teams with male cheerleaders are the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and the Minnesota Vikings.