The NFL’s first male cheerleader was Robin Williams — well, kind of
In 1979, Robin Williams became a member of the Pony Express cheerleading squad during the Bronco game. (Denver Post via Getty Images)
In 1979, Robin Williams became a member of the Pony Express cheerleading squad during the Bronco game. (Denver Post via Getty Images)
The NFL’s first male cheerleader was none other than Robin Williams – well, kind of.
This year, cheerleaders-come-athletes Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn made the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders. Their recruitment caught the attention of right-wing sporting fans, who argued that men shouldn’t be allowed to cheer for NFL teams.
The right-wing backlash came despite the NFL having 71 male cheerleaders across 11 different teams at the beginning of the 2025 season, as per OutSports.
But Sheik shrugged off the haters, posting a brilliant response to the online criticism. Sharing a photo of himself and his teammate Conn in their Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders uniform, he effortlessly replied: “Wait… Did someone say our name?”
Right-wingers might be interested to know that the late Robin Williams was actually the first male cheerleader, sort of.
The 63-year-old comedian, who had struggled with depression, died by suicide on 11 August, 2014, leaving behind an influential film legacy that included many notable LGBTQ+ roles.
On 11 November, 1979, Williams performed as the first male cheerleader for the Denver Broncos Pony Express cheerleading squad during their game against the New England Patriots.
The star donned a costume his character Mork from Mork & Mindy wore – a sequinned orange-and-blue cheerleader outfit – and used the opportunity on the pitch to film footage for the show.
His participation was inspired by Glenn Welt, who in 1978 tried out to be an NFL cheerleader but was turned away. The Denver Broncos still have no male cheerleaders, but a fan account for the team boasts that Williams was its first male cheerleader.
In 2019, Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders Napoleon Junnies and Quinton Peron made NFL history as the first male cheerleaders to perform at the Super Bowl.
The pair, who both joined the Rams’ formerly all-female cheerleading squad at the start of the 2018 season, making history as the league’s first male cheerleaders, largely went unnoticed on the night, with millions tuning in for the TV event unaware of their historic inclusion.
Suicide is preventable. Readers who are affected by the issues raised in this story are encouraged to contact Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org), or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to contact theNational Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.
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