Sports8/19/2025The Guardian

I played in the NFL. Outrage over male cheerleaders is really about attempts to control masculinity

I played in the NFL. Outrage over male cheerleaders is really about attempts to control masculinity

The article discusses the recent controversy surrounding the inclusion of male cheerleaders in the Minnesota Vikings' cheerleading squad. It argues that the outrage over this move is rooted in societal attempts to control and police masculinity within the context of sports. The author, a former NFL player, suggests that the true power of sports lies in its ability to bring people together, and that inclusivity on the sidelines reflects this unifying potential. The article highlights how sport has historically been used to define and enforce traditional notions of masculinity, but the presence of male cheerleaders challenges these narrow conceptions. Overall, the piece suggests that the inclusion of male cheerleaders in professional football represents a positive step towards greater diversity and acceptance within the sport.

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