The New England Patriots' cheerleading squad is taking a step to become a little more inclusive with the introduction of two men to the team!
Driss Dallahi and Steven Sonntag are the two newest additions to the Super Bowl-winning NFL team's cheerleading roster, a move that was announced late last month.
"Two genders on the squad is a big step for any team in the NFL because that’s not what people are used to seeing sidelines," Sonntag told NBC's Boston affiliate WBTS, who points out the Patriots haven't had male cheerleaders since the '80s. "So I encourage it to progress even more across the NFL board."
"They were not selected because they were the first men to try out, " Patriots cheerleading director Tracy Sormanti said when asked about Driss and Steven's auditioning process. "They were selected because they actually had the talent."
The news of Driss and Steven becoming official Patriots cheerleaders comes on the heels of the Los Angeles Rams' Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies making headlines for being the first-ever male cheerleaders to cheer during a Super Bowl game.
Hopefully this opens the door for the next generation of boys who want to become professional cheerleaders to stick with their dream!
Congratulations, guys! We can't wait to see you slay the sidelines this football season!
A soccer ball on the field.Tony Quinn/Shutterstock
Two players on the soccer field.Anton Vierietin/Shutterstock
Angel City FC Pride Unisex Protect Trans Lives Short Sleeve White T-Shirt for sale on the official Angel City FC website.
Queer Unrivaled players Paige Bueckers, Alyssa Thomas, and Courtney Williams with Natisha Hiedeman.
Lesbian and sapphic athletes celebrating with their partners.Footage still via Instagram @redrosesrugby; Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images; Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
