NFL fans have voiced their outrage after discovering that the New Orleans Saints have hired more male cheerleaders ahead the upcoming season.
The franchise confirmed that there will be a total of 13 men on the 2025 Saints Cheer Krewe Roster after three women were replaced following tryouts.
The Saints will be one of 12 NFL teams that feature male cheerleaders on their dance squad – compared to just seven teams in 2024 – along with the likes of the Minnesota Vikings, who also confirmed they will have two male cheerleaders this year.
Male cheerleaders have been present in the NFL since 2018 but with their growing prominence in the league, some fans have began to take issue with it.
Taking to X to respond to a post regarding the Saints’ decision, one fan wrote: ‘Yet another reason why I stopped watching the nfl’.
Another said: ‘Which 20 don’t have any? Time for a new team.’ On a similar note, another fan said: ‘I have never been so triggered in my life’.
The New Orleans Saints are among 12 NFL teams to feature male cheerleaders this year
The franchise confirmed that there will be 11 male members – after three women were replaced
The Saints are one of the few teams to have had male cheerleaders, prior to the new season
In a rather dramatic take, one user said: ‘Absolutely disgraceful this world gets worse and worse’.
This season, the Saints, Panthers, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Colts, Titans, Patriots, 49ers, Eagles, Rams, Ravens and Vikings will all feature male cheerleaders in their squad.
The Vikings in particular have faced similar backlash after footage of two of their new male cheerleaders went viral. The team have since released a statement.
It read: ‘While many fans may be seeing male cheerleaders for the first time at Vikings games, male cheerleaders have been part of previous Vikings teams and have long been associated with collegiate and professional cheerleading.
‘In 2025, approximately one third of NFL teams have male cheerleaders. Every member of the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders program has an impressive dance background and went through the same rigorous audition process.
‘Individuals were selected because of their talent, passion for dance and dedication to elevating the game day experience.
‘We support all our cheerleaders and are proud of the role they play as ambassadors of the organization.
Male cheerleaders have been part of the NFL since 2018 – with the Saints’ own Jesse Hernandez being one of the first to pioneer the change in the league.
Fans voiced their frustration with the growing trend among cheer squads in the league
The Minnesota Vikings similarly faced backlash after confirming that there would be two male members on the dance squad for the new season
Hernandez stepped out as the first male member of the Saints’ cheer squad in their history for a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome seven years ago.
Sporting black skinny jeans, white jersey and sneakers, Hernandez was in the center of the formation, lining up with the rest of his squad performing classic Rockette-style high kicks and spins.
Along with Hernandez, the Los Angeles Rams also introduced Napoleon Jinnies and Quinton Peron into their cheer squad during the same season.
Since then, teams have welcomed the addition of male cheerleaders into their dance squad. It’s fairly common for college cheer squads to be co-ed.
