The Minnesota Vikings have received some criticism for having two male cheerleaders -- Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn -- for the 2025 season.
A number of Vikings fans on social media have voiced their displeasure with the Vikings having male cheerleaders and many have even threatened to boycott the organization.
Shiek and Conn seem to be taking the criticism in stride, and they recently responded to fans who are unhappy that they are a part of the squad.
"Wait…did someone say our name?" they both posted on Instagram, standing together with Vikings apparel on and pom poms. You can check out the post here.
The Vikings are far from the only NFL team to have male cheerleaders, but they have been getting the most attention for doing so during the preseason.
Despite a portion of the fan base being unhappy, the Vikings told NBC News that they are standing up and supporting all of their cheerleaders.
"Male cheerleaders have been part of previous Vikings teams and have long been associated with collegiate and professional cheerleading,“ the franchise said in a statement to NBC News. ”We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization.”
Shiek spoke on the Vikings YouTube channel ahead of the season about getting an opportunity to be a cheerleader in the NFL.
"I went to a lot of Minnesota Vikings games with my family, mainly my dad. Was definitely watching the cheerleaders, thinking like, ‘I wish I could do that, being that role model for other little kids who don’t know this is an option,'" he said.
He also posted on Instagram in May that he was looking forward to his first season as a cheerleader for the Vikings.
"Excited and honored to share that I am officially a 2025-26 Minnesota Vikings Cheerleader!“ Shiek said. ”I am so grateful for this journey, the support, and the opportunity to make a little history along the way.
“I hope to represent and inspire what’s possible when you stay true to who you are.”
Conn, who is also entering his first season as a Vikings cheerleader, shared on Tuesday what it means to him to get this opportunity.
“I’m right where I was meant to be,” he said. “I’ve never felt so loved. Thank you everyone for the most amazing words and support.”
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