As the New England Patriots prepare for their upcoming Super Bowl matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, attention is pivoting not only to the players but also to a remarkable figure supporting them. Jeremy Greer, a standout cheerleader, has garnered attention for his dynamic performances, particularly during the Patriots’ playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Greer is not just any member of the cheer squad; he is the only male currently on the Patriots’ team, infusing the field with a distinct energy. Originating from outside Houston, Texas, Greer began his dance journey at the age of eight. By fourteen, he was refining his skills at notable institutions such as the High School for Performing and Visual Arts and the Houston Metropolitan Dance Center. After receiving a degree from Texas Christian University, Greer advanced his craft and ultimately joined the esteemed Patriots cheerleading team.
A trailblazing journey
The inclusion of male cheerleaders in the NFL is a relatively new phenomenon, with the Patriots being one of the pioneering teams to welcome men into their cheerleading ranks in 2019. Trailblazers Driss Dallahi and Steven Sonntag paved the way, with Dallahi now serving as the cheerleader manager for the squad. Greer expressed his appreciation for Dallahi, stating, “I want to be that trailblazer that Driss was for me. I want to inspire others just as he inspired me.”
Building confidence through cheerleading
Greer’s journey to becoming a professional cheerleader faced several challenges. Initially unsure about his potential, he found his confidence growing during tryouts, motivated by Dallahi’s social media presence. He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities, remarking, “You only have one chance in your life to go do things like this, so go do it.”
The encouragement he receives from fans and fellow cheerleaders proves invaluable. Greer highlighted that for every negative comment he encounters, there are three positive ones that reinforce his dedication. “Having that support makes it ten times more worth it,” he stated.
Impact beyond the field
Greer’s influence reaches beyond his role on the cheer squad. He has openly shared his journey of coming out on his website, expressing his aim to serve as a possibility model for others navigating similar experiences. “Ultimately, I am a dancer and a queer person, and anytime I can make life better for my peers in the same boat, I am going to do it,” Greer reflected. He believes his performances can serve as a form of activism, highlighting the importance of visibility within the LGBTQ+ community.
Legacy in cheerleading
As Greer gears up for his Super Bowl debut, he follows in the footsteps of Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies, who made history as the first male cheerleaders to perform at the Super Bowl in 2019. Their groundbreaking efforts opened doors for men in cheerleading, and Greer is committed to continuing this legacy. “Who knows what the future holds? All I know is the journey is not over yet, and going forward, it is going to be damn hard to shut me up,” he declared passionately.
Greer’s journey exemplifies resilience, courage, and the transformative power of representation in sports. As he takes the field for the Super Bowl, he stands as a symbol of progress within the cheerleading community, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their passions and identities.