The man behind K.C. Wolf: Dan Meers’ impact goes beyond game day

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- For the past 35 years, Dan Meers has brought joy and laughter to countless fans as he donned the mask of K.C. Wolf.

His flashy hip dancing, paired with a wide variety of antics to distract opponents in games, is what made him an iconic fixture for Chiefs Kingdom on gameday.

His decision to pass the Wolf mantle down by transitioning to a part-time mascot was influenced by his drive to be a full-time grandfather.

"It's funny, when I started this job, I was a single guy," Meers said. "Then I met my wife, got married, we had three kids and now I'm having grandkids. They say time flies when you're having fun, and I've had a whole lot of fun. My grandkids will see all the pictures that I've got hanging on the wall, the bobbleheads and great stories I'll be able to tell for years to come." 

His work as K.C. Wolf has led him to participate in over 10,000 events that span across 38 states and 12 countries.

However, Meers has always prioritized using his platform with the Kansas City Chiefs as a way to give back through events such as school visits, charity work, keynote speeches and even walking people down the aisle.

"The thing that I love about Dan and the job he's done since the 1990s to now, for 35 years, no one really knew who he is," former NFL coach and current NBC Sunday Night Football analyst Tony Dungy said. "He's not doing it for attention. Nobody says, 'Oh that's Dan Meers. '"

Dungy gives Meers credit for staying humble during his tenure.

"It's K.C. Wolf, that's his character. He's representing the (whole) Chiefs organization and Kansas City. And he's getting no credit for it. But that's Dan all the way. That's who he is. He does nothing but bring joy to people's lives."

While he will be transitioning to part-time Wolf Meers still aims to be a part of the community with the platform he has with Chiefs.