The Minnesota Vikings have introduced two male cheerleaders for the 2025 NFL season, joining a broader trend as at least eight other NFL teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots, and Tennessee Titans, plan to include male cheerleaders on their squads. This development has sparked debate among fans and former players, with some criticizing the move as unnecessary and expressing concerns about the changing dynamics of cheerleading roles traditionally held by women. Former NFL kicker and Arizona congressional candidate Jay Feely publicly questioned the inclusion of male cheerleaders, highlighting ongoing discussions about gender roles in the sport. Observers note that male cheerleaders have been part of NFL teams for some time, but there is now a deliberate effort to spotlight them. The introduction of male cheerleaders reflects broader cultural shifts within the NFL and has elicited mixed reactions from the fan base.