Overview

• Rookies Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn made the 2025 Vikings cheer roster and performed during the Aug. 16 preseason game against the Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium.
• The pair addressed critics with a joint Instagram post captioned, “Wait… did someone say our name?” alongside a photo in uniform.
• The team said male cheerleaders have appeared on previous Vikings squads and emphasized that all members passed the same rigorous audition process.
• Despite online threats to cancel seats, the Vikings told NBC News that no season-ticket accounts have been canceled over the hires.
• Men have been part of NFL cheer teams since 2018 with the Los Angeles Rams, and several clubs including the Saints, Patriots, Ravens and others now feature male dancers.