Who is Jackson O'Brien? Philadelphia Eagles' new gay cheerleader who has gone viral
The rookie cheerleader turned graduation day into double celebration
Jackson O’Brien thought graduation day would already be one of the biggest moments of his life. Then, moments after walking across the stage, his phone delivered news that made the day even more unforgettable.
The Stockton University performing arts graduate had earned a place on the Philadelphia Eagles cheer team.
O’Brien , who is openly gay, immediately called his mother to tell her what had happened. The emotional exchange was captured on video and quickly went viral, drawing millions of views across social media.
“It was such a surreal moment, and with my friends all around me, it made it all the more special,” O’Brien said.
The Eagles later confirmed him as one of nine rookies on their 32-member cheer roster for the 2026 season.
The timing made the moment especially striking as one chapter was ending with his college graduation, and another was beginning almost immediately with a place in the NFL.
O’Brien reflects on his journey
The viral call was followed by a more personal message from O’Brien , who spoke openly about what dance has meant to him.
“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 told followers.
“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.”
O’Brien also thanked the people who supported him throughout the journey.
“To my friends and family who never let my light dim, thank you for being the glue what always keeps me together,” he wrote.
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.”
Eagles role offers O’Brien much bigger stage
O’Brien joins a Philadelphia squad that includes four male dancers for the upcoming season.
His arrival continues the broader growth of male cheerleaders across the NFL, with representation expanding significantly in recent years.
That visibility matters to O’Brien , but his immediate focus remains on performing and embracing the opportunity he worked toward.
“I just am so grateful for this moment and this opportunity,” he said. “And I can’t wait to keep showing up, showing who I am, and seeing all the support from everyone.”
O’Brien has already begun that next stage, making his Eagles cheerleading debut during the preseason at Lincoln Financial Field.
The viral video may have introduced him to millions of people, but the significance of the moment was much simpler.
He graduated from college, achieved one of his biggest professional goals and got to call his mother immediately afterward to tell her the dream had come true.
