The NFL Introduces First-Ever Male Cheerleaders
The NFL is making a big change this fall: It's introducing male cheerleaders, with the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints being the first teams to institute the new addition.
According to CNN, Napoleon Jinnies and Quinton Peron will suit up for the Los Angeles Rams, while Jesse Hernandez will cheer on the New Orleans Saints. “Still can't believe I'm one of the first males in history to be a pro NFL cheerleader!" Jinnies tweeted after making the team. Meanwhile, Hernandez told CNN affiliate KATC that his mother was the one who sent him a link to Peron's and Jinnies’s story, spurring him to audition for New Orleans' Saintsations squad. "She told me it was my time to shine," he said. "The process has been great—everyone has been really nice to me, and I can't wait to see where this goes."
While males have taken part in other sideline activities in the past, this will mark the first time that they’ll follow the same dance routine as the female cheerleaders, CNN notes. All three men will make their debut this Thursday, when the NFL preseason starts.
While some die-hard fans are likely still getting used to the change, the news comes at an interesting time for the NFL, as a number of stories recently emerged detailing the alleged unfair treatment of women. In early April Kristan Ware, who spent three seasons as a Miami Dolphins cheerleader, filed a complaint against both the league and the team, claiming she was discriminated against based on her religion and gender. According to Ware's complaint, she was specifically told by two team coaches in an annual work review not to discuss her virginity.
Additionally, in April, Bailey Davis, a former New Orleans Saints cheerleader, filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against both the NFL and the Saints, claiming she was unfairly fired over "blatantly discriminatory" social media and fraternization policies that she says are different for cheerleaders than they are for the male players.
A month later, The New York Times released a detailed report, that alleged the Washington Redskins sent its cheerleading squad to Costa Rica, only to then confiscate their passports and put their safety at risk during a 2013 photo shoot.
No word yet on whether the male dancers will be expected to follow the rigorous rules and regulations put into place for female cheerleaders that ensure specific appearance and team conduct, including no sweatpants in public.
