Kansas City Chiefs mascot history covers Warpaint and KC Wolf. Warpaint was introduced in 1963 and was retired on the 26th of July, 2021.
The three-time Super Bowl winners (IV, LIV, and LVII) have been playing in Kansas City, Missouri, since 1963. The same year, they started the mascot tradition in the form of Warpaint, which took center stage.
Before that, the Chiefs were located in Dallas, Texas, and played under the name Dallas Texans for three seasons (1960 to 1962). They played at the Cotton Bowl during that period.
The earlier team lacked an amulet to represent themselves and set them apart from the other Texas football team called the Dallas Cowboys.
The relocation to Kansas City gave them a new name, city, and audience. It also saw the franchise pit a pinto horse as their official mascot.
Why Is The Kansas City Chiefs Mascot A Wolf?
Kansas City Chiefs mascot change occurred in 1989 when Warpaint was retired by the franchise. It was named after the team bench region called the ‘Wolfpack.’
When Kansas played at the Municipal Stadium, the temporary bleachers were where the most animated spectators sat. They were the most vocal and rowdy audience around the stadium.
The ‘Wolfpack Club’ housed the fanbase who would scream from their stomach. So, the name KC Wolf is considered a homage to those fans.
It was inducted into the National Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006, making it the only one in the prestigious group.
Who is KC Wolf?
Dan Meers has been sporting the KC Wolf attire since its inception in 1989. He has been wearing the suit for 35 years.
Mr. Meers has also donned other mascots, such as the Truman Tiger and Fredbird.
The gray wolf resembles a rat. It appears in tropical apparel, wearing a red Chiefs’ uniform with googly eyes, and entertains the crowd. Its striking features are its big 85-inch hips and crazy dance moves.
Dan’s Wolf persona is not limited to the football field. He also appears in charity events, conventions, parties, sports competitions, and other places.
One of the places where KC Wolf appears the most is schools and children’s programs. Some of the topics he addresses among the youth through his motivational speaking ability are:
- Do your best – Ace your test
- Read to succeed
- A-B-C of Success (Attitude, Behavior, and Character)
- Don’t be a bully – Be a buddy
- Being a winner in life
- Chiefs “Fuel up to play 60”
These programs address many topics, including healthy lifestyle, self-esteem, respect and kindness, reading, etc.
Kansas City Chiefs Mascot Warpaint
Kansas City Chiefs mascot Warpaint debuted in 1963 when the team played at the Municipal Stadium. Warpaint made its last appearance in 2021.
Warpaint were pinto horses. They were brown horses with several white patches.
Only three horses have been used as a Chief’s mascot. The original Warpaint was born in 1955, while the second was foaled in 1968.
Kansas City Chiefs old mascot was ridden by Bob Johnson in its initial years. He appeared in the horse with a ceremonial American Indian regalia containing leather, fur, beads, and cloth.
The horse was brought onto the field in every home game. It circled the ground before the official kickoff and would make a round for each Chiefs’ touchdown.
When Kansas won its inaugural Super Bowl in 1970 (SB IV), Warpaint led the victory parade.
The 1975 fixture against John Madden’s Oakland Raiders saw the Warpaint make six rounds of the field. The Chiefs won 42-10.
After Bob’s retirement, Pete Runyan and Chery McDaniel rode the horse for the 1978 and 1979 seasons. After that, local experienced riders were used.
The original Warpaint was retired in 1989, and the tradition of horses at the Chiefs’ home games ended with it. It was lucky to grace both the Municipal and Arrowhead Stadium.
The second Warpaint made a special appearance at the Arrowhead in 1997. A sold-out crowd welcomed it with a resounding standing ovation.
The Return
The third Warpaint was reintroduced in the 2009 season. It was brought back to celebrate AFL’s 50th anniversary.
A Chiefs cheerleader named Susie was the horse rider. She first rode it in the year’s first home game opposite the Raiders.
This time, they dropped the headdress, which was a positive sign. The spectators loved Warpaint’s return, and that year, they arrived in all home games.
The comeback of Warpaint was a recollection of the renowned period at the Municipal Stadium, where the team won two AFL titles.
The horse appeared till the 2020 season. After widespread criticism regarding removing Native American imagery from the sports teams, the franchise retired its beloved mascot in 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs Mascot Salary
KC Wolf mascot salary is $65,000 per annum in 2023. The average salary for NFL mascots ranges from $50,000 to $60,000 annually.
It means that Wolf makes $50 an hour.
Chiefs’ mascot salary is among the highest-earning mascots. The Dallas Cowboy’s Rowdy earns the same amount as the KC Wolf.
Here are other known salaries of mascots across the league:
- New England Patriots Pat Patriot: $65K
- Denver Broncos Miles: $60K
- Houston Texans Toro: $60K
- Baltimore Ravens Poe: $60K
- Chicago Bears Staley Da Bear: $60K
- San Francisco 49ers Sourdough Sam: $60K
- Philadelphia Eagles Swoop: $60K
- Pittsburgh Steelers Steely McBeam: $60K
- Atlanta Falcons Freddie Falcon: $50K
- Indianapolis Colts Blue: $50K
- Carolina Panthers Sir Purr: $50K
- Seattle Seahawks Blitz: $50K
- Minnesota Vikings Viktor: $50K