Two male cheerleaders who perform for the Minnesota Vikings fired back at critics before the team's preseason game against the New England Patriots.

After the Minnesota Vikings announced that male cheerleaders Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn were joining their cheer squad, the NFL team defended their additions against online backlash.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Max Brosmer (12) hands the ball off to Minnesota Vikings running back Zavier Scott (36) in the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025. The New England Patriots beat the Vikings, 20-12.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell cursed on live broadcast after spotting an illegal motion penalty during a mic'd up segment in preseason loss to Patriots.

The Vikings aren’t the only football team adding male cheerleaders. At least 10 NFL teams have male cheerleaders in their 2025 rosters. In 2019 the Los Angeles Rams had two male cheerleaders with

According to Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston, the day was long for the offensive line despite the success of Drake Maye at times. He shared on social media, ". . .Primary issue is up front. Jonathan Greenard giving Will Campbell all he can handle. Looked like 3 sacks in the span of 11 dropbacks off the rookie’s side."

The Vikings defense under Brian Flores is the only one of its kind in the NFL, and shape-shifter Josh Metellus is its embodiment.

New England rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Efton Chism III each scored for the second straight preseason game as the Patriots beat the Minnesota Vikings 20-12.

At Sports Illustrated, their very own Connor Orr took on the task of predicting the entire NFL season. All 272 games, for all 32 franchises. The end result is one that not every fan base will be happy about, such as the Minnesota Vikings ' one.