Historic First Stirs Controversy: Browns Name NFL’s First Male Cheer Captain, Fans Threaten Mass Cancellations

For the first time in NFL history, the Cleveland Browns have appointed a male cheer captain — a groundbreaking move that has already triggered fierce backlash from some of the team’s most loyal supporters, with many threatening to cancel their season tickets.

Announced earlier this week, the decision marks a dramatic shift from tradition. The role of cheer captain has always been held by women, and Browns management has framed the move as a bold step toward promoting gender equality and inclusivity in professional sports.

However, in Cleveland — a city where football loyalty runs deep — the reaction has been far from unanimous. Social media quickly lit up with criticism. “I’ve been a Browns fan through the worst seasons imaginable, but this isn’t the team I recognize,” one longtime season ticket holder posted. “I’m not paying to watch this.” Others echoed similar frustrations, accusing the organization of focusing on publicity stunts instead of on-field performance.

Still, the move has its defenders. Some fans applauded the Browns for making history and breaking outdated stereotypes. “If he can pump up the Dawg Pound and bring the energy, that’s what counts,” one supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Browns leadership has stood firm, insisting the appointment is part of a broader effort to modernize and diversify the game-day experience. But with cancellation threats mounting, the franchise now faces a pressing question: can historic progress survive the backlash from its most devoted fans?