Total Pro Sports
Former Pittsburgh Steelers cheerleader Amanda Vance has addressed the influx of male cheerleaders in the NFL following what has become quite the controversy.
With the 2025 season almost here, 12 NFL teams have men on their squads, including the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Rams.
The Vikings recently unveiled new dancers Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn as part of their dance group, leading to backlash from fans, some of whom have threatened to cancel their season tickets.
Vance tweeted her two cents on the matter this week, claiming that the advent has made things difficult for girls who dream of becoming NFL cheerleaders.
“As someone who cheered in the NFL, it sucks more for the girls that don’t make the roster…” she wrote. “There’s only limited spots (25-30) on the team and young girls dream of being an NFL cheerleader their whole life.”
As someone who cheered in the NFL, it sucks more for the girls that don’t make the roster…
there’s only limited spots (25-30) on the team and young girls dream of being an NFL cheerleader their whole life. https://t.co/A4Rmea8zEl
— Amanda Vance (@amandacvance) August 18, 2025
People in the comments argued that boys could have the same dreams, asking who’s to say that a girl’s dream is more important.
Meanwhile, the Vikings have issued a statement defending their selections, claiming that all cheerleaders go through auditions and are picked on passion and talent.
“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,” the team said in a statement via Today.com.
The Saints have also fielded criticism after announcing 13 male cheerleaders on their squad for 2023, the highest number in the NFL.
Meanwhile, former FOX analyst Joy Taylor has lashed out at the critics, suggesting it’s hypocritical.
**“So teaching kids slavery was not a big deal is acceptable but male cheerleaders is where ‘conservatives’ draw the line,” she remarked.
Having males on cheer rosters isn’t a novelty for the NFL. It’s happened since 2018, when the Los Angeles Rams picked Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies.
The argument will likely continue throughout the 2025 season, but it doesn’t appear that teams will make any changes.
