The Viral Story Of Blaize Shiek And Louie Conn: 5 Facts About The Vikings' Pioneering Male Cheerleaders And Their Defiant Stand

The names Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn have become synonymous with a new era of inclusion in the National Football League (NFL), but their history-making debut has not been without intense controversy. As of late 2025, the duo is at the center of a social media frenzy, having been named the first two male cheerleaders for the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders (MVC) squad for the 2025-2026 season.

Their groundbreaking achievement, which the Vikings organization has hailed as part of a "Next Generation" of cheerleading, was immediately met with a wave of homophobic online abuse and criticism from right-wing commentators and even former NFL figures. However, Shiek and Conn have responded with a unified, defiant clapback that has turned them into viral symbols of confidence and resilience.

Pioneering Profiles: Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn Biography

Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn are professional dancers and athletes who made history by securing two spots on the 35-person Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders roster for the 2025-2026 season. While specific personal details like age and full hometown information are kept private by some professional cheerleaders, their backgrounds reveal a strong foundation in competitive dance and performance.

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Louie Conn Profile

• Role: Professional Cheerleader/Dancer, Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders (MVC)
• Season: 2025-2026 (First Year)
• Hometown (Known): Bettendorf, Iowa
• Collegiate Experience: Former member of the Iowa State University Spirit Squad (Dance position).
• Dance Background: Began his dance career at the age of 8.
• Historical Note: Reported to be one of the first openly gay male cheerleaders for the Vikings.

Blaize Shiek Profile

• Role: Professional Cheerleader/Dancer, Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders (MVC)
• Season: 2025-2026 (First Year)
• Background: American dancer and professional cheerleader with a strong performance history.
• Historical Note: Reported to be one of the first openly gay male cheerleaders for the Vikings.
• Viral Moment: Initiated the duo’s viral social media response to critics.

The Firestorm: Unnecessary Controversy and Homophobic Backlash

The announcement of Shiek and Conn joining the MVC squad, which performs at U.S. Bank Stadium, quickly ignited a fierce debate across social media platforms. The controversy centered entirely on their gender, despite the fact that male cheerleaders have been a staple in competitive cheerleading and college sports for decades.

The backlash included extensive homophobic online abuse, with critics arguing that men had no place on an NFL dance-style cheerleading team. This torrent of negative commentary was amplified by prominent conservative voices and even drew harsh words from a former Vikings captain, who spoke out against the team’s decision.

The Minnesota Vikings organization, however, stood firmly behind their new team members. The franchise released a statement defending the hiring, emphasizing their commitment to supporting all members of the squad and promoting inclusion and diversity.

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The Defiant Clapback That Went Viral

Instead of letting the negativity define their moment, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn chose to address their critics head-on with a powerful, six-word message. Shiek took to his Instagram account and posted a photo of himself and Conn smiling confidently in their Vikings cheerleading uniforms.

The caption, which quickly went viral and became a rallying cry for supporters, simply read: "Wait… did someone say our name?" This simple, defiant response was praised by fans and media outlets for its confidence and ability to "silence doubters." Louie Conn's mother also publicly spoke out against the "cold-hearted trolls," defending her son and the team’s choice, stating that "Excellence has never looked just one way."

The post highlighted their commitment to their professional roles and their refusal to be intimidated by hate, positioning them as pioneers for LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports.

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The History of Male Cheerleaders in the NFL: A Growing Movement

While Shiek and Conn are the first men to join the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, they are part of a larger, ongoing movement toward greater gender inclusion in the NFL. The true pioneers who broke the gender barrier for dance-style NFL cheerleading were Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies.

In 2018, Peron and Jinnies made history as the first male professional dancers to join the Los Angeles Rams cheerleading squad. Their debut was a major milestone, culminating in them becoming the first men ever to cheer at a Super Bowl (Super Bowl LIII).

Following the Rams' lead, several other NFL teams have quietly added men to their cheerleading rosters in the years since. The addition of Shiek and Conn to the Vikings squad in 2025 is a significant step, especially given the team’s defense of their choice in the face of intense public scrutiny. Their presence continues to challenge traditional stereotypes and foster a more inclusive environment across the league.

Beyond the Backlash: The Impact of Representation

The story of Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn is ultimately one of professional excellence and the power of representation. Their journey highlights the double standard that often exists in professional sports, where men are expected to be on the field but not on the sidelines in a traditionally female role.

By proudly taking their place on the Vikings' roster and addressing the critics with confidence, they have provided a visible platform for the LGBTQ+ community and for male dancers everywhere. Their visibility sends a clear message that talent, skill, and passion are the only prerequisites for a spot on the squad, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. As the 2025-2026 NFL season continues, Shiek and Conn are not just cheerleaders; they are cultural figures pushing the boundaries of what an American football sideline looks like.