The New Orleans Saints are facing yet more criticism from NFL fans after representing a record number of men in their 2025 cheerleading roster.
The 2009 Super Bowl champions announced that the Saints Cheer Krewe will feature 13 male members this season – a significant increase from previous years.
It’s a move that comes following tryouts that saw three women replaced on the roster of the celebrated dance crew.
The Saints, along with 11 other NFL franchises, have male cheerleaders on their squads, a number that has risen sharply.
Only seven teams fielded male dancers in 2024.
Male cheerleaders stir debate among NFL fans
Male cheerleaders have been present in the NFL since 2018; their growing presence has been a cause for debate among American Football fandom.
Social media reactions have ranged from questions to downright outrage.
One fan wrote on X: “Yet another reason why I stopped watching the NFL.”
Another posted: “Which 20 teams don’t have any (male cheerleaders)? Time for a new team.”
And one fan took his disapproval to a new extreme, sharing: “Absolutely disgraceful – this world gets worse and worse.”
The Minnesota Vikings have faced similar outcry after announcing they’d recruited two male dancers, with a man now their lead member.
A video they shared of a performance went viral, with the response enough to make the franchise release a statement.
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Minnesota Vikings release statement
The Vikings shared a statement in staunch defence of their selection of male cheerleaders in their squad:
“Male cheerleaders have long been associated with collegiate and professional cheerleading.
“In 2025, about one-third of NFL teams have male cheerleaders.
“Every member of our program went through the same rigorous audition process and was selected for talent, passion for dance, and commitment to enhancing the game-day experience.
The Viking reiterated: “We are proud of all our cheerleaders.”
The New Orleans Saints: Pioneers in male cheerleading
The Louisiana franchise was the pioneer in introducing male cheerleaders to the game, with the Saints changing the game in 2018.
Jesse Hernandez made history as the Saints franchise’s first male cheerleader, with his debut performance at a preseason contest in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome – home of the Atlanta Falcons.
Dressed in skinny black jeans, a white branded jersey and sneakers, Hernandez took the stage – executing high kicks and spin dance moves alongside an all-female squad.
Hernandez was the pioneering figure who paved the way for the Los Angeles Rams to debut male cheerleaders during their contests.
Fast forward seven years, and the Saints will field a groundbreaking 13 male cheerleaders in 2025.
Their efforts for greater inclusivity in the sport reflect a broader shift in professional cheerleading and have had some positive reception from NFL fans, amongst the fire.
The 2025/26 NFL career will see the Saints, Buccaneers, Colts, Chiefs, Eagles, Panthers, Patriots, Rams, Ravens, Titans, Vikings and 49ers dance squads all containing male representation.
Whether the criticism will bleed into the season remains to be seen, but there’s one thing that is for certain: the NFL is committed to the inclusion of male cheerleaders in rosters across the league.
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