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Minnesota Vikings came under fire on social media ahead of the start of the rescue plan because the team had two male cheerleaders on his team.
Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn have fired back against critics in social media posts.
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Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader Blaize Shiek performs before the NFL Preseason 2025 game against New England Patriots at the US Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
“Wait … said someone our name?” Shiek wrote in a post on Instagram with Conn ahead of Vikings’ Forsy Season match against New England Patriots.
Photos of Shiek in a Vikings cheerleading uniform triggered a madness and a debate about male cheerleaders in the NFL. Los Angeles Rams was the first organization to have male cheerleaders that took place in 2018. Baltimore Ravens also contained several men on their cheerleading teams.
Carolina Panthers had the first transnry cheerleader on her team until this year.
The Vikings issued a statement to defense of Shiek and Conn.
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August 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders lead the crowd over the third quarter against New England Patriots at the US Bank Stadium. (Jeffrey Becker/Imag- Pictures)
“Male cheerleaders have been a part of previous Viking team and have long been associated with Collegiate and professional cheerleading,” the team told NBC News. “We all support our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors for the organization.”
It’s Sheik’s first year as Vikings cheerleader. He shared a post back in May and celebrated his rookie season.
“Tightened and honored to share that I am officially a 2025-26 Minnesota Vikings cheerleader!” He wrote on social media. “I am so grateful for this journey, the support and the opportunity to make a little story along the way. I hope to represent and inspire what is possible when you remain true to who you are.”
Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader Louie Conn sets up with cheerleaders in the first quarter of the NFL 2025 play between New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings at US Bank Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (David Berding/Getty Images)
Conn was part of Iowa State Cyclones Dance Team before joining the Vikings this season.
