The Minnesota Vikings are causing a stir – and division – with two male cheerleaders. While many fans are celebrating the move, others are even threatening to return their season tickets.

The Minnesota Vikings have published their cheerleader roster for the coming season. Two names in particular stand out: Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn.

Both are male cheerleaders, which is rather unusual in everyday football. The announcement has sparked discussion, especially on the “X” platform.

While many fans welcome the move, others have reacted negatively and even announced that they will return their season tickets. Blaize Shiek in particular is at the center of the reactions.

However, the discussions are less about athletic performance and more about appearances and superficial criticism.

Uh Oh: Multiple Vikings fans are upset that the team has hired a male cheerleader for this upcoming season and are threatening to cancel their season tickets.

Minnesota believes in promoting gender equality. pic.twitter.com/102drCmZaL

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 10, 2025

Male cheerleaders in the NFL

A total of twelve NFL teams have male cheerleaders in their ranks this season. Cheerleading has long been considered a performance-oriented sport in the league, requiring dance, acrobatics, and athleticism.

Male cheerleaders gained notoriety in the NFL in 2019 when Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies performed for the Los Angeles Rams at Super Bowl LIII – a first in the history of the game, which also sparked debate at the time.

However, male cheerleading is not entirely new in the US. Among others, future US presidents George W. Bush, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Franklin D. Roosevelt were active cheerleaders.

Last season, five teams had fewer male dancers. It remains to be seen how this trend will develop in the coming years. One thing is certain: male cheerleaders are becoming increasingly visible in the NFL.