The Story Behind the Kansas City Chiefs’ Name Change (Or Lack Thereof!)
The Kansas City Chiefs did not change their name; the team that became the Kansas City Chiefs did. Before becoming the Kansas City Chiefs, the team was known as the Dallas Texans. They changed their name when they relocated from Dallas, Texas, to Kansas City, Missouri, in 1963. The new name was chosen to honor H. Roe Bartle, the mayor of Kansas City at the time, who was instrumental in bringing the team to the city. Bartle’s nickname was “Chief,” hence the team’s new moniker. While there have been recent calls for another name change, driven by concerns about cultural appropriation, as of today, the team is still called the Kansas City Chiefs.
From Texans to Chiefs: A Brief History
The Dallas Days
The team that would become the Chiefs was founded in 1960 as the Dallas Texans, a charter member of the American Football League (AFL). Despite winning the AFL Championship in 1962, the Texans struggled to gain a foothold in the Dallas market, competing directly with the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL).
The Lure of Kansas City
Lamar Hunt, the owner of the Texans, recognized that Dallas wasn’t providing the necessary environment for his team to thrive. Meanwhile, Kansas City, under the leadership of Mayor H. Roe Bartle, was actively seeking a professional football team. Bartle, affectionately known as “Chief” due to his involvement with a local Boy Scout troop, spearheaded the effort to attract Hunt’s team.
The Move and the Name Change
In 1963, the Dallas Texans relocated to Kansas City. As a tribute to Mayor Bartle’s vital role in bringing the team to the city, Hunt decided to rename the team the Kansas City Chiefs. The name was intended as a gesture of appreciation and a way to connect the team to its new home and the man who made it all possible.
Contemporary Controversies and the Future
In recent years, the Kansas City Chiefs’ name and associated imagery have come under scrutiny due to concerns about cultural appropriation of Native American culture. Activists and organizations have called for the team to change its name and retire its Native American-themed traditions. While the team has taken steps to address some of these concerns, such as banning headdresses and face paint deemed offensive, the name itself remains a point of contention. The discussions surrounding the Chiefs’ name mirror similar conversations that led to the Washington Redskins changing their name to the Washington Commanders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Kansas City Chiefs’ Name
1. What was the Kansas City Chiefs’ original team name?
The team’s original name was the Dallas Texans.
2. Why did the Dallas Texans move to Kansas City?
The Texans struggled to attract a consistent fan base in Dallas due to competition with the Dallas Cowboys. Lamar Hunt moved the team to Kansas City where the team could gain a larger fan base.
3. Who is H. Roe Bartle, and why is he important to the Chiefs’ history?
H. Roe Bartle was the mayor of Kansas City in the early 1960s. His efforts were instrumental in luring the Dallas Texans to Kansas City. The team was renamed in his honor, as his nickname was “Chief.”
4. When did the Dallas Texans officially become the Kansas City Chiefs?
The team was officially renamed the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963, upon their relocation to Kansas City.
5. Where are the Kansas City Chiefs located?
The Kansas City Chiefs are based in Kansas City, Missouri.
6. Is there any connection between the team’s name and Native American tribes?
The team’s name is an indirect connection, as it was chosen to honor Mayor Bartle, whose nickname was “Chief“. However, it has drawn criticism for its potential to contribute to cultural appropriation.
7. Has the Kansas City Chiefs ever considered changing their name?
The Kansas City Chiefs have not changed the name, but there have been external discussions and pressure from Native American groups to change the name due to concerns about cultural appropriation.
8. What actions has the Kansas City Chiefs organization taken to address concerns about cultural appropriation?
The Chiefs have banned headdresses and face paint deemed offensive and have worked with Native American leaders to promote understanding and respect. They have also retired their mascot “Warpaint,” a horse ridden by a person in Native American attire.
9. What is the official position of Native American groups on the Kansas City Chiefs’ name?
Many Native American groups have expressed concerns about the team’s name and associated imagery, viewing them as cultural appropriation.
10. Did the Washington Redskins’ name change influence the discussions surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs’ name?
Yes, the Washington Redskins’ name change to the Washington Commanders in 2020 intensified the discussions surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs’ name and other teams with potentially offensive names or imagery.
11. What is the current stadium called where the Kansas City Chiefs play?
The stadium where the Kansas City Chiefs play is called Arrowhead Stadium.
12. What are the future plans for Arrowhead Stadium?
The Chiefs are considering several options for Arrowhead Stadium’s future, including renovating the current stadium, building a new stadium on-site, or building a new stadium elsewhere. No decision has been made yet, but the team’s lease expires in 2031.
13. What is the youngest team in the NFL?
As of 2024, the Houston Texans are the youngest team in the NFL and became a team in 2002. The Houston Texans are not be confused with the Dallas Texans (now Kansas City Chiefs).
14. What are the team colors of the Houston Texans?
The team colors of the Houston Texans are Deep Steel Blue/Battle Red.
15. Where can I find more information about the impact of sports and cultural identity?
To explore how sports intersect with culture and society, resources like the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ offer valuable insights. It’s a great place to learn about the wider social context of these issues.
The story of the Kansas City Chiefs’ name is more than just a simple change; it’s a reflection of the evolving relationship between sports, history, and cultural sensitivity. The ongoing discussions surrounding the name highlight the importance of respecting diverse perspectives and engaging in meaningful dialogue about representation and identity.