Joy Taylor defends male cheerleaders in the NFL with brutal 'slavery' attack on critics
It emerged earlier this week that the New Orleans Saints have hired more male performers for the upcoming season.
The Saints will reportedly be one of a dozen NFL teams to include male cheerleaders on their squad - up from seven in 2024.
The trend has sparked outrage in some quarters but those critics were mocked by former Fox Sports host Taylor.
'So teaching kids (that) slavery was not a big deal is acceptable but male cheerleaders is where "conservatives" draw the line,' she wrote on social media alongside three laughing emojis. 'Also this isn't new so as usual, OUTRAGE over nothing.'
The Los Angeles Rams claimed to have made history in 2018 when they added Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies to their dance squad.
Jesse Hernandez soon followed, becoming the first male member the New Orleans 'Saintsations'. This season, New Orleans will have a total of 12 men on the 2025 Saints Cheer Krewe Roster after three women were replaced following tryouts.
The other teams with male cheerleaders are the Panthers, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Colts, Titans, Patriots, 49ers, Eagles, Rams, Ravens and the Vikings.
Minnesota also faced a backlash from some fans after footage of two new male cheerleaders went viral. The team have since released a statement.
It read: 'While many fans may be seeing male cheerleaders for the first time at Vikings games, male cheerleaders have been part of previous Vikings teams and have long been associated with collegiate and professional cheerleading.
'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.'
Meanwhile, Taylor's nine-year stint at Fox came to an abrupt end last month after the network reportedly failed to renew her contract.
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