The Warpaint Chiefs mascot is a beloved figure in the Kansas City Chiefs football team. Warpaint is a horse that has been a part of the team's traditions since the 1960s. The mascot symbolizes the strength, power, and spirit of the Chiefs. Warpaint can be seen during home games galloping around the field after the Chiefs score a touchdown. This tradition started in the 1980s and has become a fan favorite. The sight of Warpaint running with a rider dressed in Native American regalia is a powerful and exciting image that adds to the game-day experience.
2023 Super Bowl: What is the controversy around the Kansas City Chiefs mascot?
The sight of Warpaint running with a rider dressed in Native American regalia is a powerful and exciting image that adds to the game-day experience. The original Warpaint was retired after the 1988 season but was brought back in 2009 as a tribute to the team's history and tradition. The current Warpaint is a beautiful horse that showcases the team's colors, with a vibrant red and yellow mane.
Why is the Kansas City Chiefs mascot a controversial figure in the sport?
Update: Feb 12th, 2023 13:31 ESTThe Super Bowl LVII is about to get underway but first let’s get to the real business: K.C. Wolf and his 85 inch hips.
KC Wolf was ‘born’ in 1989, back when the NFL didn’t have a lot of popular mascots. He was named after the team’s ‘Wolfpack’, a group of loud fans who sat in the Municipal Stadium.
Dan Meers has been the man behind the wolf mask for 33 years and keeps his wolf bodies in his garage. ““KC Wolf has probably got a better wardrobe than I’ve got”, he told local news. He became a huge favourite amongst the fans after bringing a sense of joy to the role, regularly breaking out in fun dance moves and an avid Chiefs fan. Wolf’s most iconic moment is undoubtedly when he tackled a drunk fan who wandered onto the field in the 2001 Pro Bowl. He also has a strong social media presence, with over 19,000 followers.
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Underlying controversy
However, despite the love, there is a sense of controversy behind the character and Kansas City’s identity designs and branding as a whole. As reported in Distractify, “native American groups across the nation have asked various sports teams, such as the Washington Commanders (formerly the Washington Redskins) and baseball team the Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Cleveland Indians), to change their team names and mascots to reduce harm and cultural appropriation.”
Before KC Wolf, the Chiefs’ mascot was a pinto horse mascot named Warpaint, who was brought back in 2009, before being quickly retired as “it was the right thing to do”, according to the team.
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Kansas City Chiefs’ controversial identity
The fans, who sing the Tomahawk Chop, have been banned since 2020 from wearing face paint and Native American headdresses, with the team saying that “face painting is still allowed for all fans, but any face paint that is styled in a way that references or appropriates American Indian cultures and traditions will be prohibited.”
#StopTheChop was floated by activists in order to turn the fans away from doing the gesture, but the club, perhaps worried about losing the ferocious atmosphere the fans are known for, decided to respond by recommending the chop be done with a closed fist instead of an open palm.
The Chiefs official website makes no mention of the controversy, simply stating that Wolf “is also in high demand as a humorous and motivational speaker.”
- More detail: Why the Tomahawk Chop is so controversial
Rhonda LeValdo, founder of the Kansas City-based Indigenous activist group Not In Our Honor, said on Thursday that “it’s not bringing our people into this celebration together. Really, it’s hurting us more because now it’s the bigger spotlight where you’re seeing this all over the world.” She will be in Arizona to push for the Chiefs to abandon the team’s name, mascot and fan-driven “tomahawk chop.”
About the author
Born in Leeds, Joe finished his Spanish degree in 2018 before becoming an English teacher to football (soccer) players and managers, as well as collaborating with various football media outlets in English and Spanish. He joined AS in 2022 and covers both the men’s and women’s game across Europe and beyond.
Kansas City Chiefs reportedly put an end to ‘Warpaint’ tradition
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 13: Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Susie rides Warpaint onto the field for the pre-game festivities before a game against the Oakland Raiders on October 13, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images) /
The Kansas City Chiefs have made the decision to end the use of Warpaint, a longtime mascot for the team which was reintroduced back in 2009.
While the Kansas City Chiefs have had Warpaint as a mascot every season since 2009, the tradition of having the horse present at games is coming to an end. Monday afternoon, Kansas City Chiefs president Mark Donovan announced the decision for the NFL team to distance itself from Warpaint.
The move away from Warpaint comes several months after the Washington Football Team rebranded itself and is in the wake of the discussion surrounding the decision for the Cleveland Indians to rebrand and become the Cleveland Guardians.
"“We just feel like it’s time to retire Warpaint,” Donovan said. “Lots of reasons for that, but we just feel like it’s the right thing to do. So Warpaint won’t be running at Arrowhead anymore.”"
“IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO.” I @Chiefs president Mark Donovan says longtime mascot Warpaint will no longer run at Arrowhead. Local groups have long argued the team’s chop and Warpaint traditions and even its name itself is derogatory to Native Americans https://t.co/gAPbNVnMbe pic.twitter.com/paVl2IAH7z
— KMBC (@kmbc) July 26, 2021
While the current iteration of Warpaint was introduced in 2009, the history behind the horse goes back a little further.
"“In 2009, the Chiefs wanted to bring Warpaint back for the franchise’s 50th anniversary. The club re-introduced Warpaint for the first regular season home game of the year.”"
The rider is also dressed in traditional Native American attire, symbolizing the respect for the team's connection to Native American culture. Having a live horse as a mascot is a unique and special aspect of the Chiefs' game-day experience. It adds an extra level of excitement and spirit to the atmosphere in the stadium. Fans eagerly await the sight of Warpaint galloping around the field, celebrating each touchdown with enthusiasm. The Warpaint Chiefs mascot is not only loved by the fans but also embodies the team's values and history. The Chiefs have a strong connection to Native American culture, and Warpaint serves as a symbol of that connection. The team has shown a commitment to honoring and respecting Native American traditions, and having a mascot like Warpaint is a visible representation of that commitment. In conclusion, the Warpaint Chiefs mascot is a cherished symbol of the Kansas City Chiefs football team. The horse and its rider represent the team's strength, power, and connection to Native American culture. The tradition of Warpaint galloping around the field after touchdowns adds an element of excitement and tradition to the game-day experience. Fans eagerly await the sight of Warpaint, making it an integral part of the Chiefs' identity..
Reviews for "The Tradition of Warpaint: A Look at Chiefs Mascots Through the Years"
1. John - 1 star
The choice of the Warpaint Chiefs mascot is offensive and inappropriate. Using a Native American symbol as a mascot perpetuates harmful stereotypes and disrespect towards Indigenous cultures. It is time for the sports industry to move away from these outdated and offensive mascots and show respect for all communities. The Kansas City Chiefs should reconsider their choice and adopt a more inclusive and respectful representation.
2. Emily - 2 stars
While I understand the historical significance of the Warpaint Chiefs mascot, I find it uncomfortable and out of touch in today's society. It feels like a caricature rather than a proper representation. Additionally, the use of live animals in sporting events raises ethical concerns. I believe the Kansas City Chiefs should consider revisiting their mascot choice and find a more respectful and inclusive symbol for their team.
3. Michael - 1 star
As a Native American, I find the Warpaint Chiefs mascot highly offensive and disrespectful. It reduces our rich and diverse culture to a mere stereotype and perpetuates harmful racial stereotypes. The Kansas City Chiefs should take the initiative to change their mascot and promote inclusivity and respect towards Native American communities. It's time for sports teams to move away from such insensitive representations.
4. Sarah - 2 stars
The Warpaint Chiefs mascot is an outdated and insensitive representation of Native American cultures. It is disappointing to see a sports team continue to use such a caricature as their symbol. In a time where cultural diversity and respect are essential, the Kansas City Chiefs should reconsider their mascot choice and find a more inclusive and positive representation of their team.