One Voice Cheerleaders
A squad known for adding male stunt performers to its ranks since 2019.
via Wikipedia: NFL cheerleading · see source
Specifically, in March 2019, the Colts were among the five franchises—including the Seattle Seahawks—that added males to their squads. While the text does not explicitly name the 'One Voice Cheerleaders' or detail their specific uniforms, it confirms that the Colts have embraced co-ed stunting as part of their entertainment model. The document notes that most male cheerleaders in these squads are involved in stunts, a practice that has become increasingly common across the league.
- Role
- Official Dance & Cheer Squad
- Affiliation
- Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
- Status
- Active
- Primary Function
- Game Day Entertainment & Community Outreach
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The Indianapolis Colts' history with mixed-gender dance teams is marked by specific milestones detailed in the source. While Glenn Welt attempted to join an NFL team as a man in 1978, he was rejected by the Miami Dolphins, and it would take decades for male dancers to become standard. The Baltimore Ravens broke ground in 1998 as the first squad to use male stuntmen. Following this trend, the Dallas Cowboys introduced their co-ed Rhythm & Blue Dancers in 2009. The Colts joined this movement later; in 2019, they added males to their squad alongside teams like the Seahawks. This shift reflects a broader league evolution where male members are primarily utilized for stunts, moving away from the traditional all-female model seen in earlier decades.
In Their Own Story
The turning point for the Indianapolis Colts' cheerleading composition occurred in 2019. Prior to this year, while other teams like the Baltimore Ravens (since 1998) and Dallas Cowboys (since 2009) had integrated male dancers, the Colts maintained a traditional structure until they joined six other franchises in expanding their rosters. This decision aligned them with a growing trend of co-ed squads across the NFL, where men are specifically hired to perform stunts that require additional strength and height. The inclusion of these athletes represented a significant change in the visual and physical dynamics of the Colts' sideline entertainment, mirroring similar moves by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles during the same season.
Reader's Guide
For fans observing the Indianapolis Colts squad, the most notable feature described in the source is the presence of male performers added in 2019. Unlike earlier eras where men were entirely absent or rare exceptions like Glenn Welt in 1978 who faced rejection, these current members are officially part of the team's structure. Their primary role involves stunts, distinguishing them from other squad members who focus on dance routines. This integration places the Colts alongside teams such as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots as pioneers of the modern co-ed NFL cheerleading model. The source does not provide specific names of these male dancers or details about their audition processes beyond noting that they are part of the official squad.
Did You Know?
- In 2019, the Indianapolis Colts added male members to their squad, joining teams like the Seahawks in adopting a co-ed format.
- Most of the male cheerleaders across NFL squads are specifically involved in performing stunts.
- The Baltimore Ravens were the first NFL team to use male stuntmen, starting this practice in 1998.
- Glenn Welt became the first man to try out for an NFL cheerleading squad on May 20, 1978, but was turned away by the Miami Dolphins.
- In 2021, the Carolina Panthers TopCats had three men make their final team, marking a record number of male members at that time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the One Voice Cheerleaders?
They serve as the official dance and cheer squad for the Indianapolis Colts NFL franchise. This active group is dedicated to performing during home games to support the team.
What do One Voice members actually do?
Their primary function includes delivering game day entertainment alongside extensive community outreach initiatives. Squad members work together to maintain high energy and fan engagement throughout the season.
Are there male cheerleaders on the team?
Yes, the Colts officially added males to their squad in March 2019 as one of six franchises to do so. Most of these performers are involved specifically in stunting during entertainment routines.
Is the One Voice squad still performing?
The organization remains active and continues to operate under the Indianapolis Colts entertainment model. They regularly appear at Lucas Oil Stadium for home game festivities.
Why is the 2019 change important?
This update embraced co-ed stunting as a standard practice across the league, similar to teams like the Seahawks. It highlighted an evolution in how NFL squads structure their performance groups.