Original KC Wolf retires after 35-year career
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- On Tuesday, Dan Meers- the original 'KC Wolf' announced his retirement after 35 years as the Chiefs' beloved mascot.
Also known as the franchise's "Director of Shenanigans", Meers helped build the mascot's personality from the ground up.
"Dan Meers has been the heart and soul behind KC Wolf for 35 years," said Clark Hunt, Chiefs Chairman and CEO. "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 is a native of St. Charles, Mo., and graduated from the University of Missouri in 1990, where he served as 'Truman the Tiger' for four years.
With Truman being known as one of the nation's top mascots, Meers finished second in the 1988 and 1990 National Collegiate Mascot Championships and was named the top overall college mascot in the country in 1989.
After graduating from the University of Missouri, Meers began his career as 'Fedbird" with the St. Louis Cardinals, then joined the Kansas City Chiefs full-time in 1990 after the Chiefs introduced their brand new mascot, KC Wolf, in 1989.
Meers eventually became the NFL's longest-tenured mascot by more than a dozen years.
He performed at 307 regular and postseason games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and 375 total games, including preseason matchups.
Meers also appeared at six international games as KC Wolf, including four American Bowl preseason games (Berlin, 1990; Tokyo, 1994 and 1998; and Monterrey, 1996) and two regular season international contests (London, 2015 and Frankfurt, 2023). He appeared at all five Super Bowls (LIV, LV, LVII, LVIII, LIX) the club has participated in since the 2019 season, including the three wins (LIV, LVII, LVIII).
KC Wolf was selected for 14 Pro Bowls and participated in nine NFL all-star games during Meers' tenure.
"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 year,s 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. "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!"
Chiefs Kingdom is invited to celebrate Meers' retirement by sharing their favorite photos and videos of themselves or their families with KC Wolf over the years at www.chiefs.com/wolfmemories.
Meers will continue to be involved with the Chiefs organization as a consultant and backup KC Wolf. The search for the next KC Wolf is underway, with top candidates having already completed interviews with the club.
