The Minnesota Vikings are tackling some online criticism.
Five days following the NFL team’s cheer squad unveiling two new male members, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn, the organization responded to a commotion sparked by critics who weren’t entirely supportive of the duo joining the team.
In simpler terms, “Vikings football team’s statement to NBC News on August 14th revealed that male cheerleaders are not a new sight at their games. In fact, they have been part of past Vikings squads and have a history in both college and professional cheerleading.
Our team expressed that they stand behind their cheerleaders, taking pride in their representation as emissaries of our organization.
Contrary to assertions suggesting fans might be giving up on their season tickets because of the introduction of male cheerleaders, the Vikings clarified to NBC News that there hasn’t been any such cancellation by spectators.
On August 9th, the Minnesota Vikings introduced their fresh 2025 cheerleading team via an Instagram video, with Conn taking center stage at the start. The accompanying text declared, “A new era of cheer is here!
After the unveiling, there was a variety of feedback from the audience in the comment section. Some enthusiasts expressed their approval with encouraging words, while others expressed dissatisfaction, as evidenced by one user who declared, “I’m no longer a Viking fan.
Another commented, “I just lost all of my respect for the Vikings.”
On the platform previously known as Twitter, the ex-NFL player Antonio Brown reacted to the video by using a derogatory term towards Conn that is disrespectful to homosexual individuals.
In the midst of controversy, two-time Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith expressed his approval for teams that include male cheerleaders.
A few months back, I initiated a youth football program in West Baltimore. Recently, we’ve incorporated cheerleading as well. Someone asked me if I had an issue with a young boy participating as a cheerleader. If the boy wishes to cheer, then by all means, let him!
Smith added, “Zero Bullying will be allowed!”
Discover more details about the popular NFL dance team that has made headlines – the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading Squad!
According to former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Caroline Sundvold, who was featured alongside her younger sister and fellow cheerleader Anna Kate Sundvold in the first season of the Netflix docuseries “American Sweethearts”, the demanding signature jump splits can have a significant impact.
The doctor advised Caroline that due to four consecutive seasons causing significant damage to her joints, resulting in permanent injury as she discussed on the show, she required surgery. However, a hip operation of that nature would necessitate a recovery period of approximately three to six months. Caroline expressed her desire to participate in one more year of cheerleading despite this, wanting to persevere.
After completing her fifth season, Caroline commented that the operation she’d been waiting for was indeed a valuable sacrifice. However, an unexpectedly challenging foot surgery followed, leaving her feeling much more distressed than anticipated.
Caroline remarked, “I assumed hip surgery wouldn’t be this tough, but the foot being packed with numerous nerves makes recovery quite challenging. From the end-of-season banquet up till now, I’ve primarily been focusing on recovery, which has served as something of a surprise for me.
None of which deterred Anna, who after making the 2023 squad was back on the roster for 2024.
Notable figure Madeline Salter, affectionately known as America’s Sweetheart, was once again seen supporting the Cowboys during their 2024 NFL season. She has shared more instances of therapeutic sessions on her Instagram than many, including frequent trips to Kinetic Centre – a clinic specializing in spine and sports rehabilitation – to alleviate tension headaches and have her feet taped.
The sports chiropractor, Dr. Kristina Myles, mentioned in a post while working on Salter, emphasized that their main goal is to correct the layers within the face which may result in pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility when strained or overused.
As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d rephrase that statement like this: While the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders certainly bring their A-game to every football match, it’s essential to note that their primary job isn’t necessarily the highest-paying gig in comparison to other career paths.
2017 reports from ESPN revealed that NFL team cheerleaders typically earned between $75 and $150 per game, a surprising figure considering many people believed they were earning substantial or even livable income.
In the debut season of America’s Sweethearts, we find that former DCC member Kelcey Wetterberg serves as a pediatric registered nurse. Meanwhile, Reece Allman (formerly Weaver), who reappeared in the 2024 season, was employed at a florist in Dallas to boost her cheerleading income.
As reported by the Dallas Morning News, the remuneration for cheerleaders now hovers around $400 per game, with additional hourly pay for the hours dedicated to game preparation and other engagements.
Indeed, Kat Puryear, an alum of DCC, expressed on the Netflix program that her earnings were similar to those of a substitute teacher or a full-time employee at Chick-fil-A.
Megan McElaney is set to return in 2024 and shared a peek into her daily life as a multitasking NFL cheerleader, detailing it from her early morning alarm at 6:15 am.
Beyond her regular job as a marketing/recruiting coordinator at Bluecrest Financial Alliances, according to LinkedIn, she has also taken on the role of makeup artist for The Styling Stewardess. Once all that work is completed, her day continues at AT&T Stadium with an evening practice that concludes at 11 p.m.
According to Salter’s statement to TopMob News, “DCC has taught many of us the importance of time management. It’s crucial that we find time not just for work and DCC, but also for personal well-being.
Ensuring top physical condition is a given, but personalized uniforms designed for every cheerleader’s figure have allowed the group to transition beyond an era overly focused on body image concerns.
In her conversation with TopMob News, Kelli Finglass, the director of DCC since 1991, emphasized that they focus on ensuring the uniforms are well-fitted and aesthetically pleasing without addressing weight. She added that all the girls take charge of their own diets and exercise routines, with a gym conveniently located near the dance studio. Furthermore, nutritionists and mental health experts are available for consultation when needed.
Women have the freedom to prioritize their individual routines, and we strive to offer resources and educate them in this regard. We then step back, allowing them to take charge. I believe this approach benefits us all.
On the DCC’s website FAQ, it is recommended that you appear appropriately proportioned while dancing in appropriate attire. However, they do not impose any particular height or weight restrictions.
Although the DCC organization has experienced changes throughout its history, with the iconic star-spangled uniforms only being introduced in 1972, it remains remarkably similar to how it originally started.
According to Finglass, everything surrounding the cheerleaders seems to have transformed. They’re adapting to various aspects such as social media and increased visibility, but at their core, they remain exceptional dancers. A significant part of their work demands a selfless attitude, an aspect that has remained constant throughout our history.
Another resource at the ready: An etiquette coach.
According to Finglass, they attend formal dinners with senior military figures, which places them in circumstances that might be new to them, given their background as a young adult from a rural community.
Due to the global enthusiasm for the DCC, she went on to express her joy in witnessing their growth, as they explore various aspects of the organization, refining their skills, posture, and readiness. Essentially, she’s aiming to equip them with all the necessary resources, so they can approach each situation with confidence.
Although they can ask for help if needed, and they are provided with professional makeup artists during photo sessions, the players take care of their own hairstyling and makeup before games. (Notably, Sophy Laufer, who joined in 2022, has shared a step-by-step tutorial on achieving her stylish game day look on TikTok.)
The aesthetic guidelines state that lipstick should not be red and fingernails shouldn’t either. Additionally, hair should never be styled up, and for a long time, Dallas’ Tangerine Salon has been known for giving women beautifully bouncy hair.
Regardless of having flawlessly shaped, smooth, and unblemished legs, DCC members will always cover them with sheer stockings.
As a devoted enthusiast, I can’t help but express my ardent dedication to maintaining a pristine appearance, especially during the games. If you happen to bear a tattoo, that’s perfectly acceptable-just ensure it’s thoroughly concealed using makeup and bronzer to preserve the flawless image we strive for.
Instead of using the term “grand,” you might say that spray tans are quite good. According to the information on the DCC site, an ideal spray tan should have a warm tone but not appear orange. Additionally, the color of the facial features and body should be consistent. When a spray tan is too dark, it can make facial features less noticeable.
The DCC (Dance Caravan Company) are respected members of their community, and it brought joy to head choreographer Judy Trammell to see this portrayed in the production titled “America’s Sweethearts.
I regret that the long-running CMT reality show, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team, which concluded in 2022 after a remarkable 16 seasons, didn’t capture the activities we engage in beyond the competition season, as I shared with Entertainment Tonight. Beyond our USO tours, visits to veterans hospitals, and interactions with children at hospitals, there is much more that we do that has yet to be seen on screen.
Upon departing from the team, as I was informed by Finglass to TopMob News, there’s an opportunity to become a part of an energetic and interactive alumni group named The Spirit of DCC.
When someone retires from cheerleading, it’s like transitioning out of the military in terms of a significant lifestyle shift – moving from spending every evening at rehearsals with your teammates to not. The director of the DCC explained this change, saying, “It’s tough because we all feel sad about it.” To help mitigate this, they immediately offer alumni activities for those who retire.
remarking on how the women continue to celebrate significant events like weddings (including their children’s), long after their cheerleading days have ended, Finglass said, “It’s as if I am a teacher who watches my students graduate, and while I always look forward to the incoming freshmen, there are still feelings and connections that don’t fade away on a day-to-day basis.
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2025-08-16 01:47