Minnesota Vikings cheerleader Blaize Shiek made his NFL debut while his critics were left to watch from the sidelines.
A rookie member of the Vikings’ squad, Shiek hit the field for the first time earlier this month when the Vikings opened their preseason schedule against the Houston Texans at Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium.
“SEE YOU AT 3 ⭐️,” Shiek wrote via Instagram, referencing kickoff time.
Shiek is one of two male cheerleaders on the Vikings team, joining Louie Conn for the 2025 season.
Since Shiek and Conn were announced as new members of the squad, critics of their inclusion have made themselves vocal on social media, with some threatening to cancel their season tickets.
“Why do people condone this 😂😂,” one person commented.
Another wrote, “Haven’t us Vikings fans suffered enough over the years? Now this??!”
In a statement to NBC News on Wednesday, August 13, the Vikings defended Shiek and Conn joining the team’s roster and insisted no season ticket holders have returned their deposits.
“Male cheerleaders have been part of previous Vikings teams and have long been associated with collegiate and professional cheerleading,” the team said. “We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization.”
In a video shared via the Vikings’ YouTube channel after Shiek was hired, he discussed the impact of the moment.
“I went to a lot of Vikings games with my family, mainly my dad,” he said. “Was definitely watching the cheerleaders thinking like, ‘I wish I could do that.’”
Shiek said he looks forward to “being that role model for other little kids who don’t know that this is an option.”
After grueling rounds of tryouts, Shiek celebrated officially being named to the Vikings’ cheerleading squad in May.
“I am so grateful for this journey, the support, and the opportunity to make a little history along the way,” he wrote via Instagram. “I hope to represent and inspire what’s possible when you stay true to who you are.”
The Vikings’ cheerleading team later celebrated Conn’s birthday in June, calling him an “amazing rookie.”
“You have already brought so much energy, passion, and pure purple pride to the MVC family, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate YOU today!” the team shared via Instagram. “We’re so lucky to have your talent, spirit, and sparkle on the team. Here’s to an incredible year ahead full of unforgettable memories, on the sidelines and beyond! We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish.”
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