“Trailblazer No More? NFL’s First Trans Cheerleader Steps Down in Tearful Twist Just Before Season Starts – Fans Speculate if Secret Pressure or Bigger Story Forced the Move”
The cheerleader now has a new career goal in mind
THE NFL’s first transgender cheerleader has announced she will not work for her team just weeks before the upcoming season.
The transgender cheerleader made history several years ago.
The NFL’s first transgender cheerleader has quit just days before the start of the 2025 seasonCredit: Reuters
Justine Lindsay, right, seen performing during her first year as a Carolina Panthers cheerleader during the 2022 seasonCredit: Getty
The 32-year-old Justine Lindsay, who became the NFL’s first openly transgender cheerleader, confirmed that she won’t be part of the Carolina Panthers’ cheerleading team in the 2025 campaign.
She made history in 2022 when she joined the Panthers’ TopCats and was the first transgender woman to cheer in the league.
Lindsay has worked for the team for the past three seasons.
But now, she will move on to another job opportunity.
Lindsay told Outsports that she’ll focus on pageantry and charity work.”For now, I’m focusing on my pageantry work and community involvement, striving to be recognized not just as an NFL cheerleader, but as someone making a positive impact, especially during these uncertain times,” she said in a statement.
Lindsay continued, “Being in the NFL was a stepping stone to get me where I need to be, and God is blessing me each and every day… My focus is to educate and uplift the younger generation of leaders to focus on their dreams and goals.
“Don’t let a president who is delusional stop them from reaching their goals whether they are trans, African American, not American, etc.”
The Panthers haven’t given a comment on Lindsay leaving the team.
She also said that she’s currently in school in hopes of becoming a sports reporter and wants to return to the football field in the future, whether it’s in the television world or back as a cheerleader.
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“I’ll see you all next year on a football field, either conducting interviews or on the sidelines showing off my dance skills,” Lindsay told the outlet.Lindsay’s role with the Panthers received plenty of attention in 2022.
TopCats director Chandalae Lanouette said at the time that the team hired her due to her skills.
“Members of the TopCats are hired based on their qualifications and abilities,” the Panthers said in a statement to NPR.
“Our organization is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate because of age, race, religion, color, disability, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.
“We wish all the TopCats, including Justine Lindsay, an incredible season.”
Lindsay’s career decision comes after she was recently given the 2025 Ms. Charlotte Black Pride Lady Winner.
The NFL season begins on September 4 when the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys.
The Panthers will visit the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars in their Week 1 matchup on Sunday, September 7.
