The Chiefs have largely escaped the hottest embers in the national debate over American Indian mascots and imagery in sports. Their name does not evoke a slur like the Washington Redskins, and their mascot is not a red-faced caricature like Chief Wahoo, the logo that the Cleveland Indians began phasing out two years ago.

The organization has worked with Native Americans over the past six years to reconsider and reform some of its traditions. That dialogue resulted in the team’s discouraging fans from dressing in Indian regalia and asking broadcasters to refrain from panning to those who disregard the request. The team makes informative announcements about Native American history and tradition during some games, and a group of Natives hands out literature at the stadium. The team sometimes invites Native people to bless the drums that are ceremonially beaten before games.

The Chiefs have shown little appetite, however, for preventing their supporters from doing the chop.

“The Arrowhead Chop is part of the game-day experience that is really important to our fans,” Mark Donovan, the team president, recently told The Kansas City Star.

Team officials did not respond to specific questions about the chop, but said in a statement to The New York Times that they were working with Native Americans “to create awareness and understanding, as well as celebrate the rich traditions of multiple tribes with a historic connection to our region.”

In interviews this week, several players praised the tomahawk chop and chant for pumping them up.

“I love it,” Jordan Lucas, a Chiefs safety, said. Asked about concerns that it is offensive, he said, “I can’t even speak on that, because I have nothing to do with that and I don’t know anything about that.”