Minnesota Vikings' male cheerleaders have already hit back at trolls ahead of their proper NFL debut.
The Vikings made a thrilling start to their NFL season, coming from behind to defeat the Chicago Bears 27-24. Trailing 17-6 heading into the fourth quarter, it looked as though the Vikings were set to end Week 1 with a defeat.
But quarterback JJ McCarthy inspired a late comeback on his NFL debut. The 22-year-old, who was a first-round draft pick in 2024, had missed the whole of season with a knee injury.
On Monday night, Vikings fans got their first glimpse of what he could bring, as McCarthy threw two touchdowns and ran for another to complete a dramatic late turnaround.
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The team will now head into their first home game of the season on Sunday night, when they take on the Atlanta Falcons.
That match will also mark the season NFL debut for Minnesota new male cheerleaders.
The Vikings made headlines in the summer when they announced the addition of two openly gay cheerleaders, Louie Conn and Blaize Shiek. The pair originally debuted during a pre-season match against the New England Patriots, and the inclusion has been widely praised as a step forward for inclusion and equality.
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However, it did draw criticism online, particularly from members of the MAGA movement, popularised by President Donald Trump.
Former NFL star Antonio Brown also joined in, as he used a homophobic slur in response to a video of Conn performing. Despite facing negativity online, Shiek has been vocal about his excitement for his new role.
He said: "I am so grateful for this journey, the support, and the opportunity to make a little history along the way.
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"I hope to represent and inspire what’s possible when you stay true to who you are.”
Shiek later posted a photo of the pair in their cheerleading uniforms on Instagram, captioning it: “Wait… did someone say our name?”
The Vikings organisation also issued a statement as they reaffirmed their commitment to inclusion.
They said: "Male cheerleaders have been part of previous Vikings teams and have long been associated with collegiate and professional cheerleading. We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organisation.”
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The spotlight will be firmly on Conn and Shiek as the pair prepare to make their NFL debut.
Their involvement represents a historic moment within the NFL, highlighting the diversity and inclusivity within professional cheerleading and American sports as a whole.
Topics: NFL
James Taylor