Minnesota Vikings Male Cheerleaders Clap Back With “Did Someone Say Our Name?”
Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn are making history as the first two male cheerleaders for the Minnesota Vikings, and their presence has certainly caused a stir. While most fans are excited, a vocal minority has been making noise online. So, how did the pair respond to the unneeded drama? With class and a bit of cheek.
Not everyone is cheering them on.
The sight of two talented men dancing on a National Football League (NFL) sideline has, unfortunately, triggered some over-the-top reactions online. The manufactured controversy became a talking point, but Shiek and Conn have shown they are not interested in the negative commentary. Instead, they are focused on their performance and the positive impact they are having.
But they’re taking it all in stride…
While at U.S. Bank Stadium for a preseason game, Shiek posted a photo of himself and Conn looking sharp in their uniforms. The caption was a perfect, subtle clapback to the trolls, reading, “Wait… did someone say our name?” The post quickly racked up over 29,000 likes, with an avalanche of supportive comments.
One fan captured the importance of their visibility perfectly, writing, “My son was so excited to see you at the game today. He is 11 and turned to me, ‘Mom, look! There are boy cheerleaders! How cool!’… Seeing his excited face was priceless.”
And the team has their back.
The Minnesota Vikings organisation has been unwavering in its support. In a public statement, the team clarified that all cheerleaders are selected through the same demanding audition process based on their talent and passion for dance. The Vikings also pointed out that male cheerleaders are not a new phenomenon, noting that about a third of all NFL teams now include men on their squads.
This visibility is not lost on Shiek, who understands what his role represents. “I went to a lot of Vikings games with my family… and was definitely watching the cheerleaders thinking I wish I could do that,” he told NBC News. “Being that role model for other little kids who don’t know that this is an option.”
