FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Early stops in Blaize Shiek’s dancing career include stints at Fargo South High School and NDSU.
Back in May, he announced via his Instagram page that he’s joining the cheerleading roster of the 2025-26 Minnesota Vikings.
But it seems that his first in-game appearance – on August 9, when the Vikings took on the Houston Texans in preseason action at U.S. Bank Stadium – drew more attention to his role. The backlash has grown since then, largely in the form of nasty comments on social media.
The fact that male cheerleaders have existed in sports for decades at all levels seems to have no effect on those who complain, with some still threatening to renounce their Vikings season tickets.
The Vikings have since put out a statement, which reads in part “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.”
Blaize has also seen a lot of support, like on a Facebook post in the Fargo South Bruin Booster Club, with those from his hometown cheering him on.
Vikings management say that despite some claims, they have not seen a single instance of season ticket cancellation since they announced Blaize’s addition to the squad.
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