New England Patriots Make Historic Move On Their Cheerleading Team
The New England Patriots are all about changes, and now they are focused on their cheerleading team.
The Patriots announced their decision to add two male cheerleaders to their cheering squad. Driss Dallahi, 23, and Steven Sonntag, 22, auditioned right after Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders Napoleon Jinnies and Quinton Peron performed at Super Bowl LIII.
“At least in my lifetime, it was the first time I had seen two men do something like that,” Dallahi told WBTS-TV.
It’s interesting to note that Dallahi and Sonntag were the only men who auditioned.
“I attended that workshop and walked in and heard there was another boy, and so I was immediately looking around trying to find him,” Sonntag said.
“We didn’t really know the criteria for male cheerleaders auditioning for the New England Patriots, so we kind of created that together in texting back and forth.”
The information was confirmed by the Patriots in the team’s latest Instagram post.
“Two men have made the New England Patriots — cheerleading squad, that is. Steven Sonntag and Driss Dallahi were among 14 rookies who tried out and made the final cut for this year’s Patriots cheer squad, according to an announcement posted on the team’s website.The Patriots haven’t had male cheerleaders in decades, Patriots cheerleader director Tracy Sormanti said.
“’The Patriots had male dancers on the squad in the late 1970’s,” she said in an e-mail. “The men’s role transitioned to more stunting/tumbling/cheerleading in the early 80’s.’
“Welcome to the team Steven and and Driss!”
Both cheerleaders took to their accounts to deliver the good news.
“So excited to say that I am now a NFL Cheerleader for the New England Patriots,” Sonntag wrote.
“Never thought something like this would be possible but today’s the day. So excited and grateful to officially be a 2019 New England Patriots Cheerleader,” Dallah’s caption read..
Here’s some more of their talent:
This is a fresh twist for the Patriots. Male cheerleaders can be as good as females, and there’s nothing wrong or awkward that two men join a bunch of women to cheer their team. It’s all about love, support and energy. Good luck, guys!
Colin Cowherd Makes Emphatic Statement About Patriots’ Super Bowl Chances
Stephon Gilmore Roast Bengals WR Tyler Boyd Using 2-Simple Words
Willie McGinest Makes Bold Prediction These Two Teams To Meet In Super Bowl LIII
About The Author
R. M.
Radmila graduated with a degree in Translation & Interpreting. She is an NBA and NFL writer for The Ball Zone, and has been covering popular sports topics for several years. A loyal Lakers fan, she puts energy into reporting big roster moves, potential trades, on-court-accomplishments, and off-court rumors.
