Minnesota Vikings male cheerleaders silence doubters with powerful Instagram message after first game
Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn were able to make their NFL cheerleading debuts with the Minnesota Vikings earlier this month, during the team's preseason opener against the Houston Texans at U.S.
Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Saturday, August 9, 2025. However, a short time after their debut, the two male cheerleaders had to face a considerable amount of backlash from some NFL fans online, with some Minnesota Vikings fans even stating they were going to cancel their season tickets. In response to the backlash, Blaize Shiek took it a step further and addressed the backlash head-on with a provocative Instagram post.
Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn clap back at critics after debut
Blaize Shiek posted a smiling photo of himself and Louie Conn on Instagram shortly after the Houston Texans game.
In the picture, both cheerleaders can be seen wearing their purple uniforms and holding golden pom-poms. The post was shared on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
In the caption, Blaize Shiek wrote,
'Wait… did someone say our name?'
Clearly aimed at the critics, the comment quickly went viral and received positive reactions from many supporters.
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The two cheerleaders, who are rookies for the 2025 season, chose to focus on their love for dance and team spirit instead of the negative comments.
Some fans even praised Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn for staying confident. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Blaize Shiek reposted another message from a supportive fan and added a short note saying, 'We are just doing what we love.'
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Minnesota Vikings and others show support during growing controversy
The Minnesota Vikings released an official statement on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, defending Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn.
The team said,
'Every member of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders program went through the same audition process. Individuals were selected because of their talent and dedication to elevating the game day experience.'
The statement also reminded fans that male cheerleaders have been present in the NFL since 2018 and were also part of past Vikings teams.
Other NFL teams are also including male cheerleaders in the 2025 season.
The New Orleans Saints recently announced that 13 men will be on their 2025 Cheer Krewe roster after conducting tryouts in New Orleans, Louisiana, earlier this month.
The Los Angeles Rams made history in 2018 when Napoleon Jinnies and Quinton Peron joined their dance team.
Many experts, including former Fox Sports announcer Joy Taylor, have defended the male cheerleaders and termed the criticism unfair, even if some supporters keep rejecting the idea, stating,
'Cheerleading is about performance and spirit, not about gender.'
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