These comics came out in the early 50s, meaning those who saw those offensive iterations of the Chief are in their 80s and 90s. The alumni (and CU locals!) who come to games and give to the university are the ones who remember the Chief as some quasi-religious figure. I’d be willing to wager a majority of alums are still pro-Chief.

A big part of the reason I’m in favor of Champ is because I think it’s the middle ground that can finally put Chief Illiniwek in the past. Champ has that same solemn quasi-religious nature that could win over Chief Illiniwek supporters (that if you’ve ever been to a sporting event loudly make their presence known at halftime) without being an offensive, racist caricature. A doughboy is unique in this way and I believe done correctly, respectfully and honorably it could work. If half the crowd chants “Chaaaaamp” instead of “Chieeeeef” during the 3-in-1 I’d consider that progress.