Male cheerleaders for the Vikings respond to fan criticism in a post

Two male Vikings cheerleaders, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn, appear unfazed by the negative reactions from some football fans since the team revealed their addition to the 2025 squad via a social media announcement.

Despite backlash and some fans claiming they may no longer support the team, Shiek and Conn have joined the Vikings cheer team.

However, Shiek seemed to address the controversy by poking fun at all of the people discussing him. 

“Wait…did someone say our name?” Shiek wrote in a post on Instagram that included a photo of himself and Conn in their cheer uniforms. 

The Vikings also responded to the controversy in a statement last week, defending Shiek and Conn. 

The team issued a statement highlighting that while some supporters might be witnessing male cheerleaders at Vikings games for the first time, men have historically participated in both collegiate and professional cheerleading as well as on previous Vikings squads.

“In 2025, approximately one-third of NFL teams have male cheerleaders. Every member of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders program has an impressive dance background and went through the same rigorous audition process. Individuals were selected because of their talent, passion for dance and dedication to elevating the game day experience. We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization.”

The Rams are said to have been the first NFL team to include men on their cheerleading squad back in 2018. 

Conn had been a member of the Iowa State Cyclones dance team before making the Vikings squad, according to Fox News. 

While some fans have threatened to cancel their season tickets because of Shiek and Conn’s inclusion on the cheer team, the Vikings told NBC News that no fans have done so.