‘Mom, I made the team!’ — Gay NFL cheerleader’s emotional video goes viral
Gay cheerleader Jackson O'Brien has gone viral after phoning his mom with the news that he's made the Philadelphia Eagles cheer team.
Mark
The heartwarming video of a young cheerleader sharing the life-changing news that he is joining an NFL cheer team has gone viral.
Jackson O’Brien, a gay performing arts graduate from Stockton University, learned during his commencement ceremony that he has earned a coveted spot on the Philadelphia Eagles cheer squad for the upcoming NFL season.
O’Brien found out just seconds after walking across the stage and quickly phoned his mom to share the happy news.
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“It was such a surreal moment, and with my friends all around me, it made it all the more special,” he said.
The clip of the emotional call has racked up around 2.5 million views on TikTok and has since been shared on the official Eagles Cheer Instagram account as well.
@jaxobrienn craziest experience of my life, from walking up getting my diploma, to being chosen as a philadelphia eagles cheerleader seconds later! forever grateful to dance and perform, and i’m so beyond excited for this next chapter in life #nfl #nflcheerleader #philadelphiaeagles #gobirds #dance ♬ scott street x i know the end – ????????????????????????????????????????????????
Reflecting on the events of the last few days, O’Brien told his TikTok followers how far he has come.
“If Jackson from last year saw where he is now, he would literally be like, ‘diva, you’re lying’. But I’m not! I’m not! I’m here!” he said.
“I will say until the day I die that dance saved my life. Now I have so many more people I get to dance for.
“I just am so grateful for this moment and this opportunity. And I can’t wait to keep showing up, showing who I am, and seeing all the support from everyone.”
Writing on Instagram, O’Brien expressed appreciation for his support network. “To my friends and family who never let my light dim, thank you for being the glue what always keeps me together.”
He added: “To represent one of the biggest sports teams in the country is an absolute dream, I feel so lucky to live this life. Always remember where you came from. Always say yes to dance, and go birds!!”
Jackson O’Brien among four men on Eagles cheer team
O’Brien joins a 32-member Philadelphia Eagles cheer team as one of their nine rookies for the 2026 season.
He is one of four male dancers on the team, alongside returning cheerleaders Dalton Walsh, Alex Fan, and five-year veteran James LeGette.
Speaking to Philadelphia Gay News in August 2025, Walsh and LeGette discussed their friendship and being out gay men on the team.
“I absolutely love [having Walsh] because last year I was the only male,” said LeGette. “This year, I have two new rookie brothers… I can help them navigate this new cheer world that I can welcome them into.”
The inclusion of male cheerleaders in the NFL has expanded significantly in recent years. Last season saw 71 on rosters across the league.
Despite a spike in online criticism surrounding their presence in professional football, their visibility is inspiring future generations on and off the field.
Other out gay male cheerleaders in the NFL include Minnesota Vikings duo Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn, who have gained prominent followings.
The trend reflects progress built since 2019, when Kyle Tanguay made history as the first male Eagles cheerleader in 40 years.
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