A viral sidebar encounter between Colts cheerleader Morgan McLain and a young, deaf fan has stirred buzz throughout the league.
On Sunday, Morgan McLain, an Indianapolis Colts cheerleader, made headlines when she interacted using American Sign Language (ASL) with an 8-year-old deaf kid named Mark, who attended his first NFL football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The short video shared went viral on the internet, with the idea that a moment outside the scoreboard can be compelling with fans. One of them also stated,
“That is so freaking awesome!!!! I wish I knew sign language. I guess it’s not too late to learn. What’s funny about NFL cheerleaders is that it pays 8.00 a game I think. That’s sarcasm but it’s almost nothing and so they all have something else going on. I’ve met former NFL cheerleaders that are MDs. Rubio’s wife was a Dolphins cheerleader.”
That is so freaking awesome!!!! I wish I knew sign language. I guess it's not too late to learn.
What's funny about NFL cheerleaders is that it pays 8.00 a game I think. That's sarcasm but it's almost nothing and so they all have something else going on. I've met former NFL…
— Kateri (@Kawen16) October 8, 2025
Cheerleader Bridges Sideline and Fan With ASL Gesture
Colts Cheerleader’s Sign Language Gesture | Credits: Twitter/@iris_seraphina
Mark’s mother was singing in the stands, and McLain, a cheerleader, had previous experience with ASL. She went up to the sideline and made a small sign of greeting to him. Mark reacted with apparent joy, a pervasive smile, and waving, which produced a viral effect. Later, theIndyStar reported that McLain had learned ASL and used it previously to do community outreach.
The Colts’ official social media also picked up the clip. Front Office Sports published it on Facebook and featured the story about how McLain realized that one of her fans was deaf, so she started talking to him using ASL to accommodate him.
This was a simple gesture in a league that was characterized by spectacle. There were no cameras or flash, only human contact. It demonstrated that listening is sometimes as essential as cheering. There was seriousness to the situation when McLain signed the right ASL instead of the rough gestures.
Fans Rush Social With Compliments
It received an effusive reaction online. Many fans dubbed the act the most wholesome event of the season.
Onesaid,*“She’s a treasure!*”
Othersadded, “I’m not crying. I was dusting my computer.🥰 She was incredibly sweet to that little boy.”
Otherschimed, “I love sign language. This is really sweet! That made his day. 🙌”
Another fan seems amazed by the cheerleader as hesaid, “*Damn it! It’s just dusty in here that’s all, don’t look at me. Love this!*”
Some also encouraged the Colts and the NFL to increase ASL education of employees and cheerleading teams. The fans of rival teams also contributed to the message, reinforcing the idea that empathy transcends team lines.