Vikings Cheer Squad Faces Backlash Over Male Cheerleaders

The Minnesota Vikings cheer squad has stirred controversy by hiring two male cheerleaders, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn. Their inclusion led to a swift wave of criticism across social media.

In light of the backlash, Shiek took to Instagram with a lighthearted remark, sharing a photo of himself and Conn in their Viking attire, playfully questioning if anyone had mentioned their names.

The Vikings organization defended their decision, stating that both men have extensive backgrounds in cheerleading and have performed at high levels for several years. They noted that while some fans may be experiencing male cheerleaders at a Vikings game for the first time, male cheerleaders have previously been part of professional cheerleading, including college teams.

The team’s statement highlighted that by 2025, around one-third of NFL teams are expected to have male cheerleaders. They emphasized that all members of the Vikings cheer squad have undergone a rigorous audition process, selected based on talent and dedication to enhancing the game-day experience.

It’s worth mentioning that several other NFL teams have included men in their cheer squads, with the Rams being among the early adopters in 2018.

However, not all fans are on board with this new dynamic. Notable former Mets player Lenny Dykstra expressed his disapproval on social media, showcasing the variety of reactions to the Vikings’ decision.

Debates have emerged, especially among fans and commentators. While some argue that male cheerleaders are a long-standing tradition in college sports, others raise concerns that Shiek and Conn may not embody conventional male cheerleading styles, instead mirroring typical female cheerleading approaches.