Of course these names are honoring the Native Americans. When sports teams chose names like these it's to reinforce their intimidating image towards their opponents and make their fans feel proud and scary. Just like ancient warriors did when they disguised themselves as mighty beasts or monsters. The fans are like "We are the Chiefs, we are mighty warriors, don't mess with us".

This whole virtue signaling and political correctness has gone way too far. Remember the Hawaii taxi driver who had a hula doll on his dashboard and an SJW got him fired? It's Hawaii, hula dolls are everywhere, locals are selling them, nobody is offended, get over it!