Robin Williams briefly became the NFL’s first male cheerleader on November 11, 1979, when he hit the Denver Broncos field in a mash-up of a cheer outfit and his “Mork & Mindy” costume. The bit spoofed Glenn Welt, the man who tried out for the Miami Dolphins’ cheer squad in 1978 and sparked national conversation. Nearly 50 years later, that conversation continues as the NFL had 71 male cheerleaders open the 2025 season across 11 different teams. As debates flare, Williams’ playful moment reminds us that joyful self-expression on the field shouldn’t be controversial.
