As Super Bowl LIX approaches, the spotlight is on the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, two NFL powerhouses who will battle it out for the championship. Both teams were the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences, the AFC and NFC, and each triumphed in their Conference Championship games to earn a spot in the Super Bowl. Yet, while these teams are both formidable on the field, only one will bring a unique presence to the sidelines: the Eagles have a male cheerleader.
James, a cheerleader for the Philadelphia Eagles since 2021, is set to be the only male cheerleader at Super Bowl LIX. The Eagles previously made it to the Super Bowl after the 2022 season, only to lose to the Chiefs in a heart-pounding 38-35 game. This year, they’ll try to secure their second Super Bowl victory, but regardless of the outcome, James will be the only male cheerleader in the spotlight when the game airs on Fox.
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James, who is openly gay, confirmed his sexuality in an interview with Outsports and has been a proud advocate for LGBTQ visibility within sports. His journey to becoming a cheerleader for the Eagles is part of a growing trend in the NFL, with male cheerleaders becoming more prominent across the league. James celebrated his team’s Super Bowl appearance with some signature backflips, showing just how much pride he takes in supporting his team.
In addition to cheering on the Eagles, James is a coach for various sports. On the Eagles’ cheerleading website, he explains that he coaches gymnastics, cheerleading, dance, basketball, and soccer. Outside of sports, James is also deeply involved in his community, serving as a big brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. His commitment to giving back to Philadelphia, along with his passion for inspiring young people, is a significant part of his identity.
James’s social media reveals his love for Disney, and his posts often feature his trips to Disney World. It’s a fitting hobby for someone who embodies both a love for sports and a childlike enthusiasm. James has even shared photos of himself enjoying Sesame Street, showing his playful side that connects with kids and fans alike.
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If the Eagles clinch the victory in Super Bowl LIX, it would be particularly fitting for James to join in the celebration with the classic line, “I’m going to Disney World!” That iconic moment has long been a tradition for Super Bowl champions, and for James, who is an avid Disney fan, it would be the cherry on top of what has already been a remarkable journey.
Working with children has always been a central motivator for James. “Working with kids has always been my inspiration; their energy and potential drive me to make a positive impact in their lives every day,” he said. This passion for mentoring and empowering the next generation reflects the deeper impact of his role as a cheerleader, beyond just cheering on the Eagles.
James’s role as the only male cheerleader in the Super Bowl follows a growing trend in the NFL. More teams than ever before are building gender-inclusive cheer squads, with about a quarter of NFL teams now featuring male cheerleaders. James joins a list of other male cheerleaders who have recently made it to the Super Bowl, including those with the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers. The visibility of men on NFL cheerleading squads signals a broader shift in how the role of cheerleaders is being redefined, embracing diversity and breaking away from traditional gender norms.
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As for the game itself, the Kansas City Chiefs enter as the favorite to win the Super Bowl. If they succeed, they would make history as the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. However, no matter who comes out on top, the presence of James on the sidelines will be a standout moment, emphasizing how the cheerleading world is evolving and embracing inclusivity.
For James, his role goes far beyond the football field. His impact on the community, his work with kids, and his visibility as an openly gay male cheerleader contribute to a legacy that transcends sports. His story is a testament to the changing face of the NFL and the broader world of sports, where inclusion and representation are making an ever-growing impact.
Fans of the Eagles and the Chiefs alike will be watching the big game closely—whether rooting for their team or simply enjoying the spectacle of the Super Bowl. But for James, this moment represents something even more significant: the opportunity to continue breaking down barriers and inspiring others to embrace their true selves, both on and off the field.
