On game day at Gillette Stadium, Jeremy Greer stands out — not just for his technique, but for what he represents.
Greer is the only male member of the New England Patriots cheerleading squad, a role he said has helped him rediscover his love for dance while performing in front of thousands of fans during his first season with the team.
“I never thought that that was really a possibility,” Greer said of becoming an NFL cheerleader.
The Patriots cheerleaders were a female-only squad for the last few decades until 2019, when two male dancers were added. Driss Dallahi was one of them. He’s now the Patriots’ cheerleaders manager.
Dallahi said he was inspired to become a cheerleader after seeing men on the Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders during the Super Bowl that year.
“Nobody treated us differently than any of the other dancers,” Dallahi said. “We were still held to the same expectation and bar.”
For Greer, seeing dancers like Dallahi paved the way. He said performing with the Patriots has given him a new appreciation for his craft and the confidence to push past stereotypes that still surround male cheerleaders.
Despite widespread support from teammates and fans, Greer and Dallahi acknowledge that criticism comes with the visibility of their roles. Both say respect within the squad is what matters most.
Greer hopes his presence on the field encourages others who may not see themselves represented in professional dance.
“I want to be that trailblazer that Driss was for me,” he said.
As the Patriots continue their season, the cheerleaders are rehearsing with a possible Super Bowl appearance in mind. If the team advances, the entire squad would travel to San Francisco — ready to deliver a performance they believe reflects both championship energy and a changing culture in professional sports.
