NFL fans are voicing frustration after the league confirmed that a record 12 teams will feature male cheerleading squads during the 2025–2026 season.
The decision has prompted threats from some season ticket holders to cancel their memberships, citing dissatisfaction with the league’s direction.
The addition of male cheerleaders comes amid ongoing debate over gender roles in sports entertainment.
Supporters of the move have praised it as inclusive, while critics argue it contradicts the NFL’s prior efforts to scale back political or social commentary during games.
The Minnesota Vikings have drawn significant attention after introducing an all-male cheerleading division led by Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn.
Former NFL player Antonio Brown criticized Shiek in a social media post using an anti-gay slur, prompting Shiek to respond, “See you at 3.”
In New Orleans, the Saints announced that 13 men will join their 2025 Saints Cheer Krewe Roster, while three women were dismissed from the squad.
The Saints’ decision adds them to the list of teams with male dancers, which also includes the Panthers, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Colts, Titans, Patriots, 49ers, Eagles, Rams, and Ravens.
The expansion follows a steady increase in male cheerleader participation in the NFL since 2018. In the 2024 season, seven teams had male cheerleaders.
This year’s roster marks the largest presence to date, and the change has been met with divided reactions among fans.
Social media criticism has been widespread.
Dear Minnesota Vikings,
— The Outlaw Patriot (@OutlawPatriotX) August 13, 2025
Just Stop.
Sincerely,
All Sane Americans
pic.twitter.com/LDTjUMFf59
One X user wrote, “Yet another reason why I stopped watching the nfl.”
Another commented, “Which 20 don’t have any? Time for a new team.” A third added, “I have never been so triggered in my life.”
Following strong reactions from their fanbase, the Minnesota Vikings issued a statement defending their selection of Shiek and Conn.
“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 team told the Daily Mail.
“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.”
Until recently, the NFL had signaled a shift away from high-profile social justice displays.
Seriously. What are we doing here?pic.twitter.com/yMpKNrKxZh
— Owen Shroyer (@OwenShroyer1776) August 14, 2025
After the 2020 death of George Floyd, the league incorporated on-field messages and performances tied to anti-racism themes, but many of those initiatives have since been scaled back.
In 2023, the NFL stopped playing the “black national anthem” before games following negative fan responses, and messaging in end zones was removed.
With the 2025 season approaching, the expanded use of male cheerleaders marks a notable change in the league’s game day presentation — one that has already sparked significant debate among NFL fans.
