The return of male cheerleaders to the NFL has reignited debates over gender, athleticism, and masculinity. The Minnesota Vikings’ debut of two (fabulous) male cheerleaders has drawn both praise and backlash, with critics clinging to the stereotype that men in cheerleading should exist only to lift women into the air, never to occupy center stage themselves.

Media coverage has highlighted how these reactions reflect efforts to police masculinity in sport rather than evaluate athletic performance. For athletes like Blaize Shiek, whose flowing hair and perfectly shaped eyebrows dominate social media conversations, and Louie Conn, whose dance skills rival professional performers, visibility means crossing entrenched gender barriers while shouldering public scrutiny.

The Important History of Male Cheerleading

Ironically, the recent uproar over men in cheerleading ignores the sport’s own roots. Cheerleading began in the late 19th century as a male-dominated activity at Ivy League universities. Women did not enter the field until World War II, when men were sent to war.

Over time, beauty standards and the sexualization of cheerleaders transformed the activity. As research on the gendered politics of sport shows, cheerleading has long been a contested space, with participants celebrated for their athleticism yet diminished by stereotypes (Adams & Bettis, 2003). The return of male cheerleaders to NFL sidelines, then, is not a novelty, but a revival of the sport’s original identity.

The Impact of Media Attention on Athlete Mental Health

If the 19th century established the foundation for cheerleading, the 21st century has certainly established perspectives on how the media shapes athletes’ mental health. Social media often reduces athletes to memes and punchlines, erasing their humanity and forgetting that they too have families, teammates, and psychological vulnerabilities. Research finds that online harassment, objectification, and performance scrutiny are strongly linked to higher anxiety, depression, and identity-based stress (Reardon & Factor, 2023).

For male cheerleaders, criticism rarely addresses their athletic performance. Instead, it targets their masculinity and their very right to belong. This scrutiny has secondary effects, impacting family members exposed to online hate, teammates who are questioned about legitimacy, and organizations that are forced to manage public pressure. Too often, critics forget the most basic truth: Athletes are people first, deserving recognition for skill rather than solely public consumption.

Where Do We Go From Here

As the debate over male cheerleaders in the NFL unfolds, the real question is whether it is truly about athletic performance or about society’s discomfort with blurred gender boundaries. History reminds us that while men built the foundation of cheerleading, women have shaped it for decades, and now all genders are collectively redefining it.

When the media dictates who belongs in athletic spaces, and who doesn’t, the mental health of athletes and those surrounding them suffers. By celebrating performers like Blaize and Louie, the NFL has the opportunity to spotlight athletic excellence while challenging gendered assumptions that restrict access to sport for everyone.

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Jenna Zydanowicz has been hired as an assistant distance coach for the Eastern Michigan University cross country and track and field programs, directors Chris Best and Sterling Roberts, announced Wednesday, Aug. 20.

This season will mark Zydanowicz’ coaching debut after graduating from the cross country and track and field programs at the University of Connecticut earlier this year. A five-year member of the Huskies’ programs (2020-2025), she earned her Bachelor of Science in allied health sciences and her Master’s of Public Health, along with a multitude of athletic achievements.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Eastern Michigan University cross country and track and field programs,” Zydanowicz said. “It’s an honor to learn and work alongside the leadership and guidance of a great coaching staff. Eastern Michigan is a program defined by excellence, a championship legacy, and strong commitment to student-athlete development. I am excited to contribute to that tradition and help build upon the proud history of the program.”

During her collegiate career, she was a three-time captain for both cross country and track and field seasons. She holds school records in the 1000 meter, 3000m, and distance medley relay, along with holding second-place program times in the mile, 1500m, and 5000m. Zydanowicz was an NCAA Individual Qualifier in 2024, and an NCAA First Round Qualifier in 2025.

In her time at UConn, she was a part of eight team conference championships, along with earning an Individual Big East Conference Championship in the 5000m in 2025 and collecting ten all-conference selections. She also received Cross Country Northeast All-Region Honors (2023, 2024), and the Big East Sports Excellence Award (2024-2025).

Outside of her athletic accomplishments, Zydanowicz also received recognition for academic and leadership excellence. She was the Big East Representative at the NCAA Leadership Forum, an Academic All-American selection five times, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee Health and Wellness Coordinator (2023-2025), and the Student Athlete Representative for Mental Health Working Group (2023-2025). Zydanowicz also has experience as the Student Youth Outreach and Education Assistant for UConn Husky Nutrition and Sport (2024-2025).

The West Hartford, Conn., native attended William Hall High School, where she also had an impressive cross country and track and field career. Zydanowicz received both cross country and track and field All-State honors multiple years, along with being named All-New England Cross Country (2018, 2019), and All-New England Track and Field (2016-2020).
 
The Zydanowicz File
Name: Jenna Zydanowicz
Hometown: West Hartford, Conn.
High School: William Hall High School
Education: University of Connecticut – Bachelor of Science (2024)
Education: University of Connecticut – Master’s in Public Health (2025)
 
Experience
Year(s) – School – Position
2025-pres. – Eastern Michigan University – Assistant Coach
2020-2025 – University of Connecticut – Student Athlete
 
Up Next
The Eagles are set to start their season Friday, Aug. 29 at the Jeff Drenth Memorial hosted by Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant.
 
Follow Us
For updates on all things EMU cross country/track & field, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram, X, and Facebook at @EMUXC_TF.    
 

Most sports medicine fellows spend time on the sidelines of football games or in the locker rooms of basketball teams. But at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med), some are gaining clinical experience in an entirely different setting — the professional rodeo arena. 

Daniel “Jake” Harrington, M.D., and William “Bo” Cates, M.D., both fellows in the school’s Sports Medicine Fellowship Program, recently participated in medical coverage at several rodeo events, including the annual Reno Rodeo, as part of their clinical training. 

“Covering the rodeo is actually built into our fellowship curriculum,” Dr. Harrington said. “We work with Dr. Travis Kieckbusch, an orthopedic surgeon who’s been doing this for years. I helped at a bull riding event earlier this year — it was my first time at a rodeo, so it was a completely new experience.” 

The rotation provides fellows exposure to a sport that presents different types of injuries, athletes and treatment environments than more traditional sports. 

“It’s a unique set of athletes in a unique sport,” Dr. Cates reflected. “When I was applying to programs, the rodeo coverage was one of the things that made UNR Med stand out. A lot of people don’t get that kind of experience.” 

Arthur “Tony” Islas, M.D., MPH, FAWM, director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship program, echoed Dr. Cates, mentioning that “the Reno Rodeo is a great event for the program, as it allows the fellows to work with a completely different athletic population, which really adds to their education.” 

Different injuries, different communication 

The clinical environment in rodeo differs significantly from what fellows encounter in mainstream sports. The mechanisms of injury and physical demands are unique, and athletes often operate independently without the structure of a team or coaching staff. 

“You see injuries you don’t typically manage in sports like football or basketball,” Dr. Harrington mentioned. “It requires a different clinical mindset.” 

Because rodeo athletes often decide for themselves whether to compete, fellows must adjust how they communicate and advise them. 

“With these athletes, it’s up to them whether they go back out there,” Dr. Cates said. “Our job is to give them the best medical information possible and help them think through their options.” 

Safety and teamwork 

Fellows prepare by reviewing literature on common rodeo-related injuries and working with experienced medical teams. But the arena setting still requires a high level of situational awareness. 

“You can’t just run onto the field like you would during a football game,” Dr. Cates said. “There might be bulls moving or animals being corralled. You have to stay alert and be mindful of the environment.” 

Harrington mentioned the teamwork among medical professionals at rodeo events was a key part of the experience. 

“Everyone knew their role,” he said. “Doctors, EMTs, athletic trainers — it was a very cohesive team. There was no ego, just professionalism and communication.” 

Adapting to the sport 

Dr. Cates, a former football and baseball player, said treating rodeo athletes meant learning new biomechanics and understanding how their bodies move under unique stress. 

“I’ve never ridden broncos or bulls, so I had to ask a lot of questions,” he said. “That helped me better understand their injuries and how to tailor treatment.” 

Both fellows said the experience helped them grow as clinicians and better prepare for a career in sports medicine. 

“It reinforced how important it is to stay flexible and athlete-centered in our approach,” Harrington said. “It’s one of the most valuable parts of the program.” 

Dr. Cates agreed. 

“You don’t see this in every fellowship,” he said. “It’s an opportunity I’ll remember and learn from going forward.” 

Summer vacation may be ending for high school athletes, but because the spikes in temperature can last well into September, athletic trainers and coaches will need to remain vigilant when it comes to signs of possible heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the leading cause of sudden death in high school football players is exertional heat stroke.

Mary Barron, an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the George Washington Milken Institute School of Public Health, told WTOP that coaches and trainers of outdoor sports need to keep an eye on the temperatures.

“Change when you’ll be working out,” she said.

Shifting to earlier in the morning or later evening practices, when possible, can keep athletes out of the hottest weather, she recommended.

Barron said high school athletes should be sure to drink plenty of water, and that if they’re thirsty, they’re already dehydrated.

When it comes to sports drinks, “Personally, I’m OK with Gatorade … but don’t make that your sole hydration,” she said. “You need water.”

When an athlete is suffering in the heat, they may be tempted to chug from a water bottle, but Barron said to take it easy.

“What I say to them is ‘sips, not gulps,’” she said. “If you sip it, it’s slower, it goes down slower. If you gulp it, you may see it in reverse.”

Barron said parents should not be hesitant to speak up if they have concerns about the intensity of practices in hot weather for younger athletes, especially middle school and pee-wee football age groups.

“That’s where it’s parent-run and parents need to consider” if practices should be held, she said.

“‘Should we or should we not have practice?’ If you’re asking that question, you should not have practice,” she added.

When the temperatures soar, but a workout is still possible, Barron, who helps out for a local high school football team, suggested placing towels in an ice-filled cooler. When a player is feeling the heat, she said, the chilled towels can be very effective.

“You put it around their neck, you can do that with their shoulder pads on, and it cools them so fast. I did that with my football players this past Friday,” she said.

In extreme cases, where a heatstroke is suspected and the core body temperature hits 104 degrees, you should call 911 and the athlete should be dunked into a cold water bath. Trainers can also use the “TACO” method to cool the patient.

“We put the athlete on the tarp, get coaches all around the tarp, and we dump ice-cold water on them and we kind of slosh the water,” Barron explained. “Because we’re just trying to get that temperature down as soon as possible.”

Barron said educating students about nutrition as well as the finer points of their sport can help them make better choices when selecting ways to quench their thirst. In one case, she said a student athlete asked her about the energy drink he had and whether it was a good choice. They looked up the caffeine content in it and found it was equivalent to four cans of caffeinated cola.

“And then you know what he did? He said, ‘You know, I don’t think I should do this now,’” she said.

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When people think about offensive linemen in the NFL, they usually picture brute strength, relentless grit, and bodies built to withstand unimaginable loads. What they don’t picture is a guy exploring psychedelic medicine to heal injuries — sometimes the mental ones that don’t show up on MRIs or highlight reels are the cripplers.

Colts tackle Braden Smith came on Power Athlete Radio and pulled back the curtain on a different kind of journey. Not a playbook, not a workout, but a personal dive into self-awareness through 5-MeO-DMT — a short-acting but incredibly intense psychedelic compound.

“The way he described it,” Braden said, “it kind of shows you what reality is. Like we’re all just living in the matrix, and this takes you out of it, for 15 minutes.” That 15 minutes, though, isn’t your typical downtime. Smith compared it to teleporting to the top of the mountain, while other routes — like ayahuasca or traditional DMT — are more like slowly hiking your way there over hours.

For him, that short trip offered something football never could: peace. Clarity. A reset. In a profession that demands physical perfection and stoic toughness, there’s no manual for how to handle anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional wear and tear. No coach walks you through how to decompress from years of grinding.

This wasn’t about escapism. It was about rebooting his hard drive and upgrading his operating system.

Braden isn’t preaching to the locker room — he’s just sharing what worked for him. For an everyday athlete, that’s what matters. We train the body relentlessly. But the mind? The emotional strain? That gets buried. And for a guy who’s seen both the top of the NFL and the dark side of the pressure it brings, exploring something outside the norm took guts.

His experience with DMT was transformational. And in an environment where silence about mental health has been the status quo for too long, Braden’s honesty isn’t just refreshing — it’s necessary.

AI-assisted summary
• TSSAA says it has processed nearly double the transfer requests this year compared to last year, largely due to a new rule change.
• The new rule allows a one-time transfer exception for non-athletic reasons.

The TSSAA has processed nearly double the number of transfer requests than it had by this time last year after the Legislative Council passed a one-time transfer exception for non-athletic reasons in March. 

The TSSAA processed 1,004 transfer requests through the morning of Aug. 18, up from 580 a year ago. 

Most of this year’s requests have been filed by athletes eager to utilize the new rule. Of the totals, 711 one-time transfer requests have been made since July 14 — an average of about 20 per day. Ninety-two were still processing as of Aug. 18, with 557 approved and 60 denied. In addition to athletes using the new one-time transfer, students whose families move into new residences in different school zones are considered transfers.

“We knew there’d be a pretty significant uptick. (Twice as many) is a little surprising, but not really surprising honestly,” TSSAA executive director Mark Reeves told The Tennessean at the Board of Control’s Aug. 18 meeting. “It was a very significant rule change. A lot of families have taken that opportunity.” 

Reeves said he has spoken with executive directors in other states that passed rules allowing transfer exceptions for any reason. Those states also saw about a two-fold increase after the rule change, Reeves said. The TSSAA started processing its forms earlier than normal to account for the expected increase.

The TSSAA did not have the 2025 transfer requests broken down by sport, but Reeves said most requests this time of year are for fall sports. 

How many schools are denying TSSAA one-time transfer requests? 

If a sending school is notified that one of their athletes is transferring, they receive an email looping them into the process via the TSSAA’s portal system. If a sending school replies that it believes the athlete is transferring to another school for athletic or disciplinary reasons, then the student is denied immediate eligibility unless they gain a hardship waiver from the Board of Control. Athletes can use the rule only for “significant academic, social-emotional, environmental or mental health needs.”

Schools have denied initial one-time transfer requests at a rate of about 10% so far, according to the TSSAA. Of the 619 one-time requests made as of Aug. 18 — not including ones still processing — 60 were denied, according to the TSSAA. 

The TSSAA heard 14 hardship requests at its Board of Control meeting on Aug. 18. That’s not a significant number. Reeves said he thought it would be more. 

Board of Control member Dexter Williams, who represents West Tennessee and is an administrator and boys basketball coach at Trinity Christian Academy, said he hasn’t seen a huge impact at his school as a result of the numbers. Other districts have reported varying impacts.

“I expected more, so ‘double’ doesn’t blow me away like it probably will others,” said Board of Control president Grant Swallows, who represents Warren County Schools. “I do feel like we put a rule into place that did allow for some moves that maybe we didn’t allow in the past, and I think it’s going to work out for some kids who need a better situation. And I don’t think it went to a place where there was ‘no-holds barred’ transfers.”

TSSAA using much of excess revenue for new building

The Board authorized the TSSAA to allocate a little over $1.4 million of its $1.6 million excess revenue toward its Legacy Fund, which will provide the down payment for construction of the association’s new, building, which it roughly estimates will cost $10 million. 

The remaining revenue surplus will be returned to schools for 2024-25 membership fees ($133,000 total), 2024 golf fees ($46,575) and heat monitor and AED equipment ($20,425). 

“We’ve never really been in that position to give back to schools like we have the past two years,” Swallows said. “I think we all want to see that number go up as we’re able to hopefully sustain things economically. People are not always going to love you’re spending money on a new office building, but we’ve outgrown the space. It’s going to have to happen sometime. While we’re on sound financial footing, I think it makes sense to take care of that.” 

The Legacy Fund will increase to approximately $3.1 million with the additional revenue. The building project could begin as soon as November if the Board approves contractors’ maximum guaranteed price in October. 

TSSAA volleyball state tournament format changes to single-elimination 

The Board voted 8-3 on Aug. 18 to approve a recommendation to change the TSSAA volleyball state tournament from a modified double-elimination format to a single-elimination format with a consolation bracket to award third and fourth place. 

Tyler Palmateer covers high school sports for The Tennessean. Have a story idea for him? Reach Tyler at tpalmateer@tennessean.com and on the X platform, @tpalmateer83.

He also writes The Tennessean’s high school sports newsletter, The Bootleg. Subscribe to the newsletter here.