Former Los Angeles Rams cheerleader Napoleon Jinnies, who broke barriers when he joined the NFL in 2018 as the first male cheerleader for the team, has publicly supported the Minnesota Vikings’ male cheerleaders, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn, amid controversy surrounding their debut in the preseason. Jinnies, who has faced criticism himself over the years, dismissed the recent backlash against the Vikings performers, calling it a familiar pattern of resistance to change rather than a critique of their skills.
Jinnies told People magazine that the negative comments and social media attacks were not new to him, recalling similar critiques from his childhood, preteen, and college years. He emphasized that the real issue was not their gender but their ability to perform on par with female cheerleaders, stating that Shiek and Conn were ‘beat-for-beat, step-for-step killing it with the girls.’ The cheerleaders, he argued, were being judged on their artistry and athleticism, not their identity.
The backlash against Shiek and Conn has prompted a heated debate among NFL fans, with some defending their right to participate in cheerleading regardless of gender, while others argue that the role is traditionally reserved for women. Jinnies, who has continued to perform for the Rams, acknowledged that the criticism was a reflection of outdated societal norms rather than a personal attack on the individuals. He added that the support he received from fans and the media far outweighed the negativity, reinforcing his belief that the cheerleaders were being unfairly judged.
Despite the controversy, the Vikings have continued their season, starting with a 2-1 record. The team’s success has not been impacted by the presence of Shiek and Conn, as they’ve remained focused on their performance on the field and in the stands. Meanwhile, the discussion around male cheerleaders in the NFL has sparked broader conversations about identity, inclusivity, and the evolving nature of sports traditions. As the season progresses, the question of whether male cheerleaders will become a permanent fixture in the league remains open, with Jinnies and others advocating for their place in the sport.