The mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs, a professional American football team, is called "Warpaint." Warpaint is a horse that has been the team's official mascot since 2009. The name "Warpaint" is a reference to the Native American tradition of warpaint, which is a form of body paint used by warriors before going into battle. The horse is a symbol of bravery, strength, and speed, which are all qualities associated with the Chiefs' team. Warpaint is a beautiful and spirited quarter horse mare, known for her stunning coat of chestnut and white colors. She is cared for and trained by a dedicated team of professionals who ensure her safety and well-being.

What is the name of the Kansas City Chiefs Mascot?

The Chiefs won against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, February 12, 2023. Before that, the Chiefs won the Superbowl on Sunday, February 2, 2020, in Miami, Florida, against the San Francisco 49ers. But their last Super Bowl victory had been in 1970. Go Chiefs – with Patrick Mahomes as the quarterback and Andy Reid as head coach, they may very well be in line for more Super Bowls!

Now find out more about their mascot. Since his introduction to Chiefs fans in 1989, KC Wolf has been widely known as one of the most entertaining mascots in professional sports.

KC Wolf has entertained fans of all ages with appearances in the United States and around the world. KC Wolf has become a popular attraction year after year at sporting events, community activities, conventions, grand openings, parades, and numerous other events.

One thing that sets KC Wolf apart from other mascots is the fact that he is also in high demand as a humorous and motivational speaker. KC Wolf is portrayed by Dan Meers, who averaged more than 150 speaking engagements each year before the pandemic. Dan is as equally entertaining out of his costume. Dan’s work as KC Wolf and his experiences as a professional sports mascot has reinforced to him the philosophy that laughter and a cheerful heart are good medicine.

Dan speaks to audiences of all ages at schools, churches, businesses, banquets, and many other gatherings. His enthusiasm, optimism, faith, and love for life are contagious and make him an inspiration to all those around him.

Meers is spreading good news, indeed! To contact Meers, email him at [email protected] or 816-920-4212.

Note: This post has been updated from an earlier post.

Native Americans renew protests of Kansas City Chiefs mascot

Amanda Blackhorse speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Amanda Blackhorse speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Amanda Blackhorse speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Amanda Blackhorse speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

David Garcia speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

David Garcia speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Dr. James Riding In speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Dr. James Riding In speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Leonard Rivers speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Leonard Rivers speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Meldon Fulwilder speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Meldon Fulwilder speaks during a news conference by Native American advocacy groups, Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix. The groups are calling for the NFL football team Kansas City Chiefs to drop their name, logo and their trademark “war chant” where fans make a chopping-hand gesture mimicking the Native American tomahawk. They play to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in the Phoenix suburb of Glendale during the Super Bowl 57 NFL football game. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

FILE - A woman plays a drum during a “No Honor in Racism Rally” in front of TCF Bank Stadium before an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs, on Oct. 18, 2015, in Minneapolis. The group objects to the Kansas City Chiefs name, and other teams’ use of Native Americans as mascots. As the Kansas City Chiefs return to Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, for the first time in two years, the movement to change their name and logo will be there again. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

FILE - A woman plays a drum during a “No Honor in Racism Rally” in front of TCF Bank Stadium before an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs, on Oct. 18, 2015, in Minneapolis. The group objects to the Kansas City Chiefs name, and other teams’ use of Native Americans as mascots. As the Kansas City Chiefs return to Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, for the first time in two years, the movement to change their name and logo will be there again. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

FILE - A woman wearing Native American clothing attends a “No Honor in Racism Rally” march in front of TCF Bank Stadium before an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs, Oct. 18, 2015, in Minneapolis. The group objects to the Kansas City Chiefs name, and other teams’ use of Native Americans as mascots. As the Kansas City Chiefs return to Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, for the first time in two years, the movement to change their name and logo will be there again. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

FILE - A woman wearing Native American clothing attends a “No Honor in Racism Rally” march in front of TCF Bank Stadium before an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs, Oct. 18, 2015, in Minneapolis. The group objects to the Kansas City Chiefs name, and other teams’ use of Native Americans as mascots. As the Kansas City Chiefs return to Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, for the first time in two years, the movement to change their name and logo will be there again. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

FILE - A “No Honor in Racism Rally” marches in front of TCF Bank Stadium before an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs, on Oct. 18, 2015, in Minneapolis. The group objects to the Kansas City Chiefs name, and other teams’ use of Native Americans as mascots. As the Kansas City Chiefs return to Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, for the first time in two years, the movement to change their name and logo will be there again. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

FILE - A “No Honor in Racism Rally” marches in front of TCF Bank Stadium before an NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs, on Oct. 18, 2015, in Minneapolis. The group objects to the Kansas City Chiefs name, and other teams’ use of Native Americans as mascots. As the Kansas City Chiefs return to Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, for the first time in two years, the movement to change their name and logo will be there again. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

PHOENIX (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are the reason Rhonda LeValdo is in Arizona for the Super Bowl. But she won’t be here to watch the game.

LeValdo and other Native Americans will be pushing again for the Chiefs to abandon the team’s name, mascot and fan-driven “tomahawk chop.” It’s the same goal they had in 2021 when the Chiefs were vying for a second-consecutive Super Bowl win in Tampa, Florida.

“People are trying to be really positive about Kansas City and what it does and how like ‘Yes, sports binds us all together,’” LeValdo, founder of the Kansas City-based Indigenous activist group Not In Our Honor, said at a news conference Thursday. “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.”

LeValdo will be joined by others from Kansas City and tribes in Arizona to demonstrate outside State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The president of the Kansas City franchise says he respects their right to protest.

Fights against the appropriation of tribal cultures and images have endured for decades — not just with the Chiefs. Native Americans say using iconography and words with Native connotations demeans them and perpetuates racist stereotypes.

“The anti-Native mascot movement has always been about the betterment of our Native people, not hatred towards others who are football fans,” said Amanda Blackhorse, who is Diné. “We want to live in a world where our children can attend school and feel included and not met with reenactments of fake war dances on the football field.”

Some major sports teams have countered that the mascots are meant to honor and respect the tribes. But the racial reckoning and protests of 2020 after the murder of George Floyd compelled some franchises to do soul-searching.

The Cleveland Indians baseball team officially changed to the Guardians in November 2021. The team also axed Chief Wahoo, a logo that was a caricature of a Native American.

A significant victory came when Washington dropped the name “Redskins, ” which is seen as a racial slur, and the logo after nearly nine decades. The team later became the Commanders.

Chiefs President Mark Donovan gave no indication there is room for change.

“We also respect that we need to continue to educate and raise awareness of the Native American culture and the things we do to celebrate, that we’ve done more over the last seven years — I think — than any other team to raise awareness and educate ourselves,” Donovan said.

The Super Bowl is playing out in a state that’s home to 22 Native American tribes who collectively oversee about a quarter of the land base. The NFL has been emphasizing its collaborations with Native and Indigenous people based in Arizona.

The Chiefs recently highlighted its long snapper James Winchester, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, and center Creed Humphrey, who is from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation of Oklahoma.

Lucinda Hinojos, who was born in Glendale and is of Apache and Yaqui descent, became the first Native and Chicana artist to partner with the NFL. Her painting is featured on all Super Bowl tickets and throughout the NFL Experience.

Colin Denny, a University of Arizona researcher and a member of the Navajo Nation, will perform “America the Beautiful” during the game’s pre-show. Denny, who is deaf, will utilize both American Sign Language and North American Indian Sign Language.

The Chiefs have made efforts to address concerns about cultural insensitivities going back a decade but always stop short of altering the team name or fan-favorite gestures and chants. In 2013, the team created the American Indian Community Working Group, which has Native Americans serving as advisers to the team on promoting tribal cultures.

“I’m going to them and saying, ‘What do you think about this? How does this make you feel?’” Donovan said. “I’m really proud of the things we’ve done and the people we’ve worked with.”

This led to invitations for Cheyenne spiritual and ceremonial leaders to participate at some games. In 2020, the Chiefs banned fans from donning headdresses, war paint and clothing at Arrowhead Stadium.

The team also changed the “tomahawk chop” with cheerleaders using a closed fist instead of an open palm — a move that Native American organizations in Kansas City called “laughable.”

The Kansas City team started as the Dallas Texans. When the franchise moved to Kansas City in 1963, it became the Chiefs.

Mayor H. Roe Bartle got permission from the Northern Arapaho at the time, and the team recently documented tribal officials confirming it, Donovan said.

“We haven’t released it yet. We are waiting for the right timing to tell the story right,” Donovan said.

LeValdo, who is friends with a former Northern Arapaho leader, called that assertion “fake.”

She said Native organizers won’t give up on trying to rid major sports of offensive mascots, names and imagery.

“There are young people that come with us as well,” said LeValdo, of Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico. “We’re looking forward to the next generation that’s going to carry that. There’s always going to be Native people who are against it. It’s not going to stop.”

Dan Meers

Dan Meers goes to work each day like many other men, dressed in a suit. The only difference is that instead of wearing a tie with his suit, Dan wears a tail. You see, Dan is a professional mascot.

Dan began his career in 1986 at the University of Missouri – Columbia. Dressed as the school mascot, Truman Tiger, it didn’t take long for Dan to establish himself as one of the top college mascots in the nation. After finishing second in 1988, Dan was selected the nation’s #1 college mascot at the 1989 National Collegiate Mascot Championships. As graduation approached, Dan began to receive offers to use his talents at the professional level.

After graduating with honors, Dan decided to trade in his tiger stripes for bird feathers and began his professional career as Fredbird, the mascot for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Although many thought Dan’s “bird legs” were a perfect match for his costume in St. Louis, Dan stayed only a short time. He was offered a job in professional football and decided to exchange his bird suit to become a wolf.

Today Dan is widely known as KC Wolf, the official mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs. He travels throughout the United States and the world entertaining thousands of people both in and out of costume. Dan is in high demand not only as a mascot but also as a humorous and motivational speaker to audiences of all ages. His enthusiasm, optimism and love for life are contagious and makes Dan an inspiration to all those he meets.

Dan lives in Kansas City, MO with his wife, Cam and their 3 children, Mycah, Aaron, and Mallory.

Topics

On November 23, 2013, Dan Meers came within inches of losing his life while practicing a bungee jump and zip line stunt at Arrowhead Stadium… home of the Kansas City Chiefs. What Dan anticipated being the thrill of a lifetime ended up being the spill of a lifetime. The stunt went terribly wrong and Dan plummeted 75 feet before crashing into the stadium seats. Miraculously Dan survived. He spent 9 days in the hospital and got some really big scars. Dan smiles when he says, “Scars are just Tattoos that come with a Cool Story”. During this powerful presentation Dan shares his incredible story and the important lessons that he learned during his long road to recovery about leadership and about life.

It’s been said that if you ask a man his occupation you will find out how he pays his bills, but if you ask a man his preoccupation then you will discover the passion of his life. Dan Meers has a rather unique occupation. For over 25 years he has paid his bills by working as “KC Wolf” the mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs. However, Dan’s preoccupation, what he is truly passionate about is encouraging others to strive for the best in life and to enjoy it each and every step along the way. Dan believes that your life is like a Coin. You can spend it anyway you wish but you will only get to spend it one time, so spend it wisely. During this presentation Dan shares some of the valuable lessons he’s learned during his long career as a professional mascot. Whether at home, work or in the community, Dan challenges his audience to live each day to the fullest by wisely investing their lives and not just spending them.

During his mascot career Dan has presented over 3,000 school assemblies and youth programs to students of all ages. Dan does these programs for one simple reason – He loves young people! Dan has three children of his own and he knows the importance of good role models in the community. His programs are designed to “Edutain” (Educate and Entertain). Dan believes that learning should be fun and he offers programs on a variety of topics including:

• Character Education
• Fitness and Nutrition
• Anti-Bullying
• Reading

Dan also offers a variety of programs for churches and faith based organizations. These programs center around Dan’s faith and the importance it plays in his life. Dan strongly believes that “God didn’t put us on earth to make a living, He put us here to make an impact.” These programs are designed to challenge and encourage others to put their faith into action.

Dan served as the men’s pastor at his church for two years and he has a passion for men’s ministry. He enjoys speaking at men’s conferences and retreats where he encourages and challenges men to be godly leaders in their homes and communities.

Dan’s wife Cam is a Marriage and Family therapist and together they enjoy speaking at retreats and conferences aimed at strengthening marriages and families.

She is cared for and trained by a dedicated team of professionals who ensure her safety and well-being. During home games, Warpaint is ridden onto the field by a rider dressed in traditional Native American attire. The rider performs a lap around the field, exciting the crowd and boosting team spirit.

The presence of Warpaint adds an element of excitement and tradition to Chiefs' games, showcasing the team's connection to Native American culture. The name "Warpaint" is a fitting choice for the Chiefs' mascot, as it reflects the team's strong ties to the Native American community and their history. It also embodies the qualities and characteristics that the team aspires to, such as bravery, determination, and a fierce competitive spirit. In conclusion, Warpaint is the beloved mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs, representing the team's connection to Native American culture and symbolizing their values of bravery and strength..

Reviews for "Examining the Psychological Impact of the Kansas City Chiefs Mascot Name on Players"

- Sarah - 2/5 stars - I have to say, I really don't understand the choice of name for the KC Chiefs mascot. It feels incredibly uninspired and lacking in creativity. The team name itself already pays homage to Native American culture, so why not choose a mascot name that goes along with that theme? It just seems like a missed opportunity to me. Overall, I'm not a fan of the KC Chiefs mascot name.

- John - 1/5 stars - The KC Chiefs mascot name is just downright offensive. As a person of Native American descent, I find it incredibly disrespectful and insensitive. It's disappointing that in this day and age, there are still teams and organizations that choose to perpetuate harmful stereotypes. I believe it's time for the team to reevaluate and choose a mascot name that is more inclusive and respectful of all cultures.

- Emily - 2/5 stars - I'm not a fan of the KC Chiefs mascot name. It feels outdated and doesn't really resonate with me. It's just not something that stands out or makes me excited to support the team. I think a more creative and modern name would have been a better choice. Overall, I'm disappointed with the decision to go with the current KC Chiefs mascot name.

- Alex - 1/5 stars - The KC Chiefs mascot name is just plain boring. It lacks any sort of creativity or originality. It's quite clear that not much thought was put into it. With so many other teams having unique and catchy mascot names, it's a shame that the KC Chiefs went with such a mundane choice. I would have expected better from a professional sports team.

The Kansas City Chiefs Mascot Name: a Symbolic Representation of Team Unity