The NFL is about to make history again as the 2026 season kicks off, with at least 11 teams set to feature male cheerleaders on their squads. That's more than a third of the league, a significant leap from the days when the sidelines were exclusively female.

The Los Angeles Rams broke the mold back in 2018 when they added Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies to their cheerleading roster. They didn't just make the team—they made history by becoming the first male cheerleaders to perform on the sidelines during a Super Bowl. Their groundbreaking journey paved the way for this new wave of inclusivity.

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According to Newsweek, the following teams will have male cheerleaders for the upcoming season: the Rams, Eagles, Saints, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Panthers, Falcons, Cardinals, Seahawks, Raiders, and Patriots. That's a mix of franchises from both conferences, showing that this trend is spreading across the league.

But the move hasn't come without controversy. Social media has been buzzing with criticism, and the backlash has gotten particularly heated this week. A video of a male Eagles cheerleader went viral, drawing mockery from high-profile figures, including Fox News host Laura Ingraham, who took to X to compare it to an 'SNL skit from the 80s.'

The Eagles have remained silent in response to the criticism, and they're under no obligation to address it. The team, like many others, is simply making personnel decisions based on talent and performance, not gender.

This isn't just about cheerleading—it's about changing the face of the NFL. The league has been making strides in other areas too, from exploring international expansion to embracing new traditions. The inclusion of male cheerleaders is another step toward a more inclusive and diverse sport.

While the online trolls may be loud, they don't represent the majority of fans. Many have rallied behind the cheerleaders, celebrating their courage and the message it sends to young boys and girls alike: if you have the talent and the drive, there's a place for you in the NFL.

As the season progresses, hopefully the focus will shift from the gender of the cheerleaders to the athleticism and energy they bring to the sidelines. After all, in the end, it's about the performance, not the person performing it.