Justine Lindsay, NFL’s First Openly Transgender Cheerleader, Says She Will Return Next Season

Justine Lindsay—the first openly transgender cheerleader in the National Football League—has indicated she will return for the next season with the Carolina Panthers’ TopCats, extending a trailblazing tenure that has made her one of the most visible transgender athletes in professional sports entertainment.

Lindsay first came to national attention in 2022 when she joined the Panthers’ TopCats and publicly identified herself as a transgender woman, becoming the NFL’s first openly transgender cheerleader. In an as-told-to profile, she reflected on her path in dance and her goal to serve as a “big sister” figure for other Black transgender athletes, underscoring the broader significance of her visibility both on the field and in the community.

The Carolina Panthers organization previously affirmed its equal opportunity standards amid public attention to Lindsay’s selection, stating that TopCats members are hired based on qualifications and abilities, and emphasizing a commitment to nondiscrimination. That message echoed in a 2023 short documentary profile by ELLE’s Loud and Proud series, where teammates and mentors described Lindsay’s audition and performance as rooted in athleticism, confidence, and presence—attributes that set the tone for her continued place on the squad.

If finalized, Lindsay’s return next season would mark at least a third year of on-field performances with the TopCats, reinforcing a steady arc of representation for transgender people within mainstream sports entertainment.

Beyond game-day appearances, Lindsay’s platform has grown through media profiles and social content, where she has highlighted dance training, mentorship aspirations, and community engagement. Her public Instagram profile notes multiple NFL seasons and participation in local pride events and pageants, reflecting a broader creative and advocacy portfolio that reaches beyond the sidelines. (Instagram: @justinesimone_)

Lindsay’s visibility comes amid ongoing national conversations about inclusion in sports. While NFL cheerleading is distinct from competitive athletics governed by eligibility regulations, the prominence of NFL game-day entertainment places TopCats members on one of the largest recurring stages in American sports culture. Her continued presence underscores how professional dance teams can shape public understanding of transgender people in athletic spaces, particularly for young LGBTQ+ fans and aspiring performers who rarely see themselves represented at the highest levels.

In earlier interviews, Lindsay described posting about her identity on Instagram after making the team, and fielding both supportive and critical reactions; she emphasized that affirmation outweighed negativity and that open dialogue with teammates helped make the locker room a welcoming environment. The Panthers’ statement on equal opportunity offered institutional backing, a factor that advocacy groups often cite as essential for creating sustainable inclusion.

For LGBTQ+ audiences, Lindsay’s anticipated return signals continuity at a moment when representation in sports remains contested in some arenas. Her role on an NFL sideline has already influenced broader media narratives—moving conversations from controversy to competence by centering performance, discipline, and professionalism. As the Panthers prepare for the season, Lindsay’s presence with the TopCats would again place a transgender woman in one of the country’s most-watched sports environments, offering visibility that can resonate far beyond Charlotte.

What remains to be confirmed is the formal team announcement customary for NFL cheer squads ahead of each season. As of publication, the indication of Lindsay’s return is based on her public-facing statements and social profile references, and an official Carolina Panthers or TopCats roster announcement would provide definitive confirmation. Readers should look for the Panthers’ official channels for finalized 2025–26 roster details.