Overview

• Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn made their preseason debut and remain on Minnesota’s 2025–26 cheer roster despite social-media criticism.
• The duo addressed detractors with a joint Instagram post captioned “wait…did someone say our name?”
• In an Aug. 14 statement, the Vikings noted male cheerleaders have long featured in their program and in roughly one-third of NFL franchises.
• Team officials told NBC News that, contrary to online claims, no season tickets have been canceled over the additions.
• Former NFL receiver Torrey Smith defended the hires on social media, urging fans to welcome cheerleaders based on talent rather than gender.