No Vikings Fans Canceled Season Tickets Over Male Cheerleaders, Despite Social Media Outrage

The Minnesota Vikings made headlines in August 2025 by introducing Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn as the first male cheerleaders on their squad, joining a growing movement toward greater gender inclusivity within the NFL. With nearly a third of NFL teams already featuring male cheerleaders, the Vikings’ decision was seen by many as a progressive step forward. However, the announcement was quickly met with vocal backlash on social media, including calls from some self-identified fans to boycott the team and cancel their season tickets—a threat that, upon further investigation, proved hollow .

Almost immediately after the Vikings’ announcement, social media platforms were flooded with comments from critics who argued that the team had become “too woke,” with many users threatening to abandon their loyalty to the franchise. Some right-wing commentators and conservative influencers amplified these messages, claiming a mass exodus of disillusioned fans. Notable voices included former NFL player Antonio Brown, who responded with a homophobic comment, and actor Kevin Sorbo, who publicly declared his intent to find a new team on the platform X (formerly Twitter) .

Jesse Kelly, a conservative commentator, added to the outrage by urging fans to “fight back”—a sentiment echoed in various online forums. The rhetoric grew heated, often invoking negative stereotypes about gender and sexuality, and drawing comparisons to other flashpoints in the NFL’s ongoing culture wars .

Despite the online uproar, sources within the Vikings organization confirmed that not a single season ticket holder actually canceled their subscription as a result of the team’s decision to include male cheerleaders. While the team declined to comment on individual customer accounts due to privacy policies, internal monitoring and media inquiries found no evidence to support the boycott threats. Local reporters and independent outlets conducted follow-ups with the Vikings’ ticket office and found the claims of mass cancellations to be unfounded .

This pattern echoes a familiar trend in American sports, where public outrage on social media often fails to translate into real-world actions. Despite noise online, the majority of fans continued to support the team, with ticket renewals and sales remaining steady since the announcement.

The Vikings organization issued a clear statement in support of Shiek and Conn, emphasizing that every member of the cheerleading squad, regardless of gender, had undergone the same rigorous audition process. The team described its cheerleaders as “ambassadors of the organization” and reiterated its commitment to inclusion and diversity .

Blaize Shiek, one of the new male cheerleaders, responded to the criticism with humor and resilience, posting lighthearted messages that mocked the outrage. Both Shiek and Conn have received support from many fans and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who praised their visibility and courage in challenging traditional gender roles within professional sports .

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within the NFL and American sports more broadly as teams attempt to balance inclusivity and evolving cultural values with the expectations of longstanding fan bases. While male cheerleaders are not new to the league, their presence continues to spark debate, particularly among those resistant to changes in traditional gender expression within athletics .

Analysts and commentators note that male cheerleaders bring valuable athletic skills to routines, particularly in stunts and performances that require strength and coordination. Their inclusion also sends a message of affirmation to LGBTQ+ youth and others who may see themselves reflected in a traditionally gendered space .

As the NFL season moves forward, the Vikings’ stance serves as a reminder that public commitments to diversity and inclusion can withstand backlash when organizations stand by their values. The lack of action behind boycott threats underscores the performative nature of much online outrage, while the support for Shiek and Conn reflects the growing acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities in the world of sports.

For many, the episode is less about football and more about visibility and representation, signaling continued progress toward a more inclusive sporting culture—and the resilience of those who lead the way.