Latest news with #New Orleans Saints
Telegraph
a day ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
Male cheerleaders in NFL cause backlash
NFL teams have defended the use of male cheerleaders following a backlash after 12 franchises signed up performers for the 2025 season. Since the first team brought in a male cheerleader for the 2018 campaign, the number of franchises abandoning the female-only tradition has steadily grown. New Orleans Saints will reportedly have a total of 12 men among 47 performers on the 2025 Saints Cheer Krewe Roster. Three of their women were replaced this season following try-outs. Other teams with male cheerleaders are the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens and the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings, who had been singled out for fan criticism on social media, have since issued a statement saying the team was 'proud' to have male cheerleaders. '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,' the franchise said. 'In 2025, approximately one third of NFL teams have male cheerleaders. Every member of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders programme 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 organisation.' 'Outrage over nothing' A total of seven teams had male cheerleaders in 2014. With the issue becoming a talking point in the US, Joy Taylor, a Fox Sports presenter, hit back at critics. 'So teaching kids 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 broke with tradition in 2018 when they added Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies to their dance squad. One male Vikings cheerleader, Blaize Shiek, appeared to take a dig at his critics after making his NFL debut. Sharing a photo waving a golden pom-pom alongside another male cheerleader, he wrote: 'wait... did someone say our name?' Clay Higgins, the Republican congressman, had been among critics of the NFL integrating male cheerleaders. 'I don't think the NFL actually wants conservatives to watch their football games,' he had posted. 'And I must say if that's the NFL business model, they're doing very, very well.'
Reuters
7 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Saints C Will Clapp (foot) placed on season-ending injured reserve
August 13 - New Orleans Saints center Will Clapp has been placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a foot injury suffered in the team's first preseason game. Clapp was carted off the field just a few plays into the Saints' preseason opener against the Chargers on Sunday. NFL Network reported Tuesday that he suffered a Lisfranc injury in his right foot which will require season-ending surgery. He was a strong candidate to serve as the team's backup center behind Erik McCoy, who has appeared in 81 games for the Saints over the last six seasons. Clapp, a seventh-round draft pick by the Saints in 2018, has appeared in 66 games over his seven-year NFL career. He returned to New Orleans this offseason after appearing in 31 games with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022-23 and appearing in one game last season for the Buffalo Bills. -Field Level Media
