Justine Lindsay (Photo via Laura Wolff, Panthers.com)
Justine Lindsay, who became the first ever openly transgender NFL cheerleader during the 2022 season, will not return to the Carolina Panthers this year.

Three years ago, Justine Lindsay broke the barrier when she earned a spot on the Panthers’ cheerleading squad, the Carolina TopCats. Lindsay, who turns 33 next month, spent the next three years on the TopCats roster.

But in a stunning development, Lindsay has decided not to return to the TopCats for a fourth season. The Panthers begin their 2025 regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 7.

Justine Lindsay announced her decision in a statement to Outsports, emphasizing her desire to focus on community and pageantry work. Lindsay also plans to enroll in schooling to begin a sportscasting career:

“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.

Being in the NFL was a stepping stone to get me where I need to be, and God is blessing me each and everyday giving me the breath to do the work and change lives. 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.

“I’ll see you all next year on a football field, either conducting interviews or on the sidelines showing off my dance skills.”

Entering 2025, the Carolina Panthers share the second-longest active playoff drought with the Atlanta Falcons (seven seasons). Only the New York Jets (14 seasons) have a longer postseason drought.

Carolina’s hope of success in 2025 largely depends on the production of third-year quarterback Bryce Young and a prized rookie class led by wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and edge rusher Nic Scourton. The latter had an injury scare when he suffered a collapsed lung last week, but Scourton returned to the field on Monday.

More Male NFL Cheerleaders Are Arriving Following Justine Lindsay’s Departure

Justine Lindsay (Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK)
While Lindsay is stepping away from the NFL, there’s plenty more history being made on the cheerleader front. At this time, we know that 12 NFL teams will have male cheerleaders when the 2025 season commences.

The Minnesota Vikings recently announced the additions of two males, Blaize Shiek and Louie Conn, to their cheerleading squad. Some angry Vikings fans threatened to cancel their season tickets, but Shiek and Conn aren’t letting it faze them.

Shiek clapped back at the criticism on Instagram writing, “Wait…did someone say our name?” in the caption of a photo with Conn.

The Vikings, coming off a surprise 14-win season, open their 2025 season with a ‘Monday Night Football’ road game against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 8. This will mark the beginning of the JJ McCarthy era, as the 2024 first-round pick missed his entire rookie year with a knee injury.