FSU's Tomahawk Chop: History & Origins - Uncovered!
Is it possible that a seemingly simple hand gesture and a rhythmic chant could embody the spirit of a university and become a symbol recognized across the nation? The "Tomahawk Chop" and the accompanying "War Chant" of Florida State University (FSU) have transcended their origins to become iconic, powerful expressions of Seminole pride and a testament to the enduring strength of tradition.
The tale of the "Tomahawk Chop" and the "War Chant," inextricably linked, begins at Florida State University. The institution's embrace of the Seminole Indian as its mascot, nickname, and symbol in 1947 laid the groundwork for what would become a unique cultural phenomenon. The musical foundation of this tradition, however, stretches back even further, with the drum beat being played by the Florida State band, the Marching Chiefs. It was during the 1960s when the band first introduced a Seminole cheer, which was called the "Massacre," in which the band chanted to a native American beat. The chant and the chop, which is now known as the Seminoles' War Chant, originated at FSU, and it was either simultaneously or soon after that the tomahawk chop was adopted.
The "War Chant" is a staple of FSU games, a melody that evokes memories for fans. The tradition of the "Tomahawk Chop" spread to the Atlanta Braves in 1991, when Deion Sanders, a Florida State standout in football, began playing baseball for the Braves. Initially rooting from a marching technique, this singular motion has unified much of the Florida State community. But events were to take a dramatic turn exactly one year later, on October 12, 1985. Thousands of Seminoles drove to Auburn without tickets, just to be near the game and enjoy the atmosphere.
Opinions editor Roger Brown responds to reader email criticizing his view that FSU should dump its outdated war chant and tomahawk chop traditions. Now Florida State University President John E. Thrasher should do something similar and get rid of the Tomahawk Chop at Seminole games.
The newest FSU symbol and tradition is the unconquered statue arising 31 feet outside the south entrance to Doak Campbell Stadium. A statue of the Seminoles's mascot, Chief Osceola, on the Florida State campus. Chief Osceola at Doak with a great crowd of fans every game.
The "Tomahawk Chop" is a sports gesture popularly used by fans of the American Florida State Seminoles, the Atlanta Braves baseball team, the Kansas City Chiefs American football team, and the English Exeter Chiefs rugby union team.
Here's a video made by a fan at a game in Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee about a year ago.
For the 2025 football season, there are 3 bold claims for Seminole fans to cling to.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Florida State University |
| Year of Adoption (Mascot) | 1947 |
| Year of Chant | 1960s |
| Associated with | Florida State Seminoles Football Team |
| Mascot | Seminole Indian (Chief Osceola) |
| Location | Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida |
| Spread to other Teams | Atlanta Braves (1991), Kansas City Chiefs, Exeter Chiefs |
The musical component of the chop, however, dates back much further. The chant and the chop originated with florida state university. The university adopted the seminole indian as its mascot, nickname and symbol back in 1947.
The more we as a society learn about the tradition, the more we can appreciate it. The most intimidating tradition in college football. For any fan of college sports, particularly college football, the tune of the seminoles war chant and the accompanying tomahawk chop is a staple of games, a melody that evokes memories. FSU prepared to make roster changes as the portal opens if we feel we can go get better in the right situation, we will. The chant and the chop originated with florida state university.
The tomahawk chop and war chant have long been associated with the florida state university football team, called the seminoles, after the seminole tribe of florida. Opinions editor roger brown responds to reader email criticizing his view that fsu should dump its outdated war chant and tomahawk chop traditions.
The newest FSU symbol and tradition is the unconquered statue arising 31 feet outside the south entrance to doak campbell stadium. Taylor devers | apr 20, 2025. Fsu basketball news, opinion, rumors, analysis and player updates from chop chat. Florida state seminoles news, recruiting, analysis, opinion, and much more for fsu. Provided to youtube by the orchard enterprisesfsu war chant w/ groove fsu marching chiefsgameday faves: florida state seminoles classics 2009 2thumbz ente
For additional information, you can find resources such as "Tomahawk Nation, a florida state seminoles community." The content brought to you by chop chat.
