Oh, the Minnesota Vikings really went for it this time. Because what better way to fire up your fan base for the upcoming NFL season than by swapping gridiron grit for jazz hands?
Cue the social media explosion.
It started with a viral video — rookie cheerleader Blaize Shiek flipping his hair and strutting across the turf like he just walked off a runway for glittery halftime theatrics. The Vikings proudly rolled him out as part of their 2025 cheerleading squad, and let’s just say… America noticed. But not exactly in the way the team hoped.
You’d think they were debuting a bold new strategy on third down. Instead, we got Blaize and Louie — two male cheerleaders, full pom-poms, full performance, and a full-on PR storm.
Now let’s be clear: male cheerleaders aren’t new. They’ve existed for years, usually the guys who toss the girls into the air and catch them before gravity gets ideas. No problem there. Athletic? Absolutely. But what we’re watching now isn’t that. This is a full pivot from stunts to sassy choreography and TikTok-ready sass — all under the guise of “representation.”
And people aren’t buying it.
“Because nothing says ‘football’ like watching Chad do high kicks in booty shorts,” one post quipped. Another read, “Dear Minnesota Vikings, Just Stop. Sincerely, All Sane Americans.” Not exactly the warm embrace the team may have been counting on.
The online backlash was swift and merciless. But instead of dialing it down or offering some classic Midwestern humility, Blaize Shiek doubled down. Posted a video to Instagram with a mocking, rehearsed skit: “Wait, where are the boys?” one cheerleader asks. “I heard they were throwing a fit,” another replies, as Blaize and Louie strut onto the field, pom-poms blazing, ready to dazzle… or divide.
The caption? “SEE YOU AT 3.”
Translation: If you don’t like it, tough.
And just like that, the culture war got new shoulder pads.
The Vikings issued a bland corporate statement, because of course they did. They reassured fans that male cheerleaders have been part of previous squads and that they “support all our cheerleaders.” Meanwhile, ticket-buying fans are left wondering whether the team is more interested in winning games or winning applause from the Human Rights Campaign.
Even some who aren’t against male cheerleaders in principle drew the line here: “Not opposed to male cheerleaders like those guys on college teams that help with stunts… but I am opposed to guys holding pom poms.” It’s the difference between athletic support and, well, theatrical distraction. And that’s exactly what fans are reacting to.
BREAKING: The Minnesota Vikings under MAJOR backlash after the team hires a MALE as their LEAD CHEERLEADER for the 2025-26 NFL football season.
Recent Videos of the cheerleader are going VIRAL online with many calling to cancel the team. pic.twitter.com/uwuMAWDTr2
— The Patriot Oasis
BREAKING: The Minnesota Vikings under MAJOR backlash after the team hires a MALE as their LEAD CHEERLEADER for the 2025-26 NFL football season.
(@ThePatriotOasis) But here’s the twist — and it’s one the media won’t touch with a ten-yard pole.
At least Blaize is a guy. A flamboyant, dramatic one? Sure. But a guy nonetheless. That alone put some commenters in the awkward position of feeling relieved. Why? Because in 2022, the Panthers made headlines for welcoming the first transgender-identifying male cheerleader — Justine Lindsay — who will be returning again for 2025.
“I have had so many parents of young kids in the trans community say thank you for what I’m doing,” Lindsay said.
Which, of course, sounds more like an activist’s mission statement than something you’d expect from someone dancing on the sidelines of a football game. But welcome to the NFL in 2025 — where the sidelines have become the battleground for a culture war that’s spilling over into sports whether fans want it or not.
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) August 17, 2025
Here’s the thing: fans tune into football to watch tough, disciplined athletes clash in one of the last remaining bastions of American grit. Not to be lectured, baited, or visually assaulted by identity theater during timeouts.
Male cheerleaders for college football are studs. They can lift a girl up with one arm. They aren’t tutti fruttis or transformers like they are in the NFL. I’m done with that woke trash and will never take my family to another NFL game. I’ve been done with them for awhile. pic.twitter.com/VHLI09ojW7
— PAMELA HENSLEY
(@PamelaHensley22) And yet, teams keep doubling down. Why?
WATCH
— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) August 17, 2025
Because someone, somewhere in a marketing department thinks this is what America wants. Never mind the fact that stadium seats are expensive, fans are tired of being trolled, and most people just want the halftime show to include a marching band and maybe a well-timed beer commercial — not a gender studies thesis in pom-poms.
But keep it up. Keep pushing.
Eventually, fans will vote with their wallets — and their remotes.
The post NFL Team Issues Statement Following Backlash Over Cheerleader Decision appeared first on Red Right Patriot.
