The Minnesota Vikings are standing firm after facing heavy criticism for adding two male cheerleaders to their 2025 Minnesota Vikings Cheer (MVC) squad. In a statement to Newsweek, the team defended the decision, noting that male cheerleaders have been part of past Vikings teams and are common in collegiate and professional cheerleading.
“While many fans may be seeing male cheerleaders for the first time at Vikings games, male cheerleaders have long been associated with cheerleading at multiple levels,” the team said. “We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization.”
The controversy erupted after the Vikings posted a video introducing the 2025 squad, featuring male cheerleader Louie Conn front and center. The backlash intensified when a second male cheerleader, Blaize Shiek, announced his selection to the team on social media. Fans voiced displeasure online, with some calling the move “woke” and threatening to stop supporting the franchise. Actor Kevin Sorbo was among those saying he might find a new team to follow.
Team officials emphasized that roughly one-third of NFL teams now have male cheerleaders, and that all MVC members went through the same rigorous audition process. Selections, they said, were based on talent, passion for dance, and commitment to enhancing the game day experience.
Both Conn and Shiek have responded to the criticism. Conn’s mother told the Star Tribune her son has “more bravery in his little finger than most people.” Shiek wrote on Instagram that he hopes to inspire children by showing them “this is an option,” adding that he is “grateful for the opportunity to make a little history.”
