Minnesota Vikings Male Cheerleaders Shut Down Critics with Inspiring Instagram Post | NFL News Times of India

The Minnesota Vikings’ first-ever male cheerleaders had an impressive debut at the team’s pre-season opener against the Houston Texans. Despite facing backlash and criticism from some fans, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn stood their ground and answered with a powerful Instagram message. After the game, Shiek shared a photo of himself and Conn in their Vikings gear, with the defiant caption, “Wait… did someone say our name?”

Instead of letting the negativity from fans get to them, the pair chose to focus on their love for dancing and their team spirit. They received ample support from fans and the Minnesota Vikings organization, who defended them saying that everyone in the cheerleading program had gone through the same audition process and were selected based on their talent and commitment to enhancing the game day experience.

The Vikings joined the ranks of NFL teams that have introduced male cheerleaders, a trend that started in 2018 with the Los Angeles Rams’ Napoleon Jinnies and Quinton Peron. As the 2025 season continues, more teams, including the New Orleans Saints, have announced the inclusion of male cheerleaders in their squads. Critics argue the backlash is unfair, stating “Cheerleading is about performance and spirit, not about gender”.