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

Sport has long been used to police what it means to be a man. But inclusivity on the sidelines reflects the game's true power: bringing people together

Of all the existential threats facing professional football - concussions that erode the minds of players, scandals that rot institutions from within, dwindling youth interest in a sport built on collision and control - who could've predicted that what would truly rattle some fans was the sight of two men dancing on the sideline?

Earlier this month, the Minnesota Vikings unveiled their newly minted 35-member cheerleading squad with a bold promotional video captioned, The next generation of cheer has arrived!" It wasn't just the choreography that caught attention, but the fact that two male performers, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn, were part of the group.