National Mascot Day will be a bittersweet one in the Chiefs Kingdom.
On Tuesday, the Kansas City Chiefs announced that Dan Meers will retire effective July 1 after three decades as the beloved KC Wolf mascot. Meers started his mascot career at the University of Missouri, serving as Truman the Tiger for four years. He finished second in the National Collegiate Mascot Championships in 1988 and 1990, with a first-place finish in 1989.
Meers briefly played as Fredbird with the St. Louis Cardinals before becoming the first-ever KC Wolf mascot in 1990.
“Dan Meers has been the heart and soul behind KC Wolf for 35 years,” Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said, via press release. “Since joining the organization in 1990, Dan helped establish KC Wolf not only as a source of energy and enthusiasm on gamedays, but as a symbol of pride and passion for all of Chiefs Kingdom. He ensured that his alter ego brought joy to people young and old, and his deep connection to the Kansas City community has made him a beloved figure to generations of Chiefs fans.”
Meers has a storied history in Kansas City. He became the NFL’s longest-tenured mascot by more than a dozen years. He has performed at 375 total games, including 307 regular and postseason games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Meers’ KC Wolf also shares the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl success, appearing in five Super Bowls: LIV, LV, LVII, LVIII, and LIX, including the team’s three wins in Super Bowls LIV, LVII, and LVIII.
Meers’ KC Wolf became the first-ever NFL mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006. He also became the only mascot ever inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame back in 2020.
“To say I’m a blessed man is an understatement. For the past 35 years I’ve had my dream job. I’ve worked for the team I love, in the city I love, with the people I love. After all these years I certainly hope Chiefs Kingdom knows just how much I love and appreciate them. I have memories and stories that will last me a lifetime,” Meers said, via press release. “I especially want to thank my family, the Hunt family, the Chiefs organization and the greatest fans in the world for all the love, support, and laughs we’ve shared over the past 35 years. I’m truly a blessed, blessed man!”
Meers’ impact extends beyond the gridiron. As KC Wolf, he left a lasting mark on the community and created countless memories for those who enjoyed his portrayal and performance. The Chiefs implore fans to celebrate Meers’ retirement by sharing their favorite photos and videos with KC Wolf at the following website: www.chiefs.com/wolfmemories.
It’s unclear who will replace Meers, but the team has already interviewed candidates. Meers will remain part of the organization as a consultant and a backup KC Wolf.
