Goodbye to KC Wolf: Kansas City Chiefs’ to lose iconic star

The Kansas City Chiefs are saying goodbye to a true franchise icon - not a player, but the man behind the fur. Dan Meers, the beloved performer who brought KC Wolf to life for 35 unforgettable years, is officially retiring. The team will honor his remarkable run with a special ceremony on July 1.

35 years as KC Wolf

Meers’ journey in the world of mascots began long before he put on the wolf suit. He previously suited up as Truman the Tiger, the official mascot of the Missouri Tigers, and Fredbird, the longtime face of the St. Louis Cardinals. But it was on June 4, 1990, when Meers became KC Wolf, that he found his home.

Since then, Meers has become much more than just a game-day entertainer. To the Chiefs and their fans, he’s a symbol of passion, loyalty, and the unbreakable spirit of Chiefs Kingdom.

“A symbol of pride and passion”

“Dan Meers has been the heart and soul behind KC Wolf for 35 years,” said Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt. “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.”

Being KC Wolf wasn’t just a job for Meers - it was a dream come true. According to the team, he made 307 appearances at Arrowhead Stadium across regular-season and playoff games. His journey also took him across the globe, representing the Chiefs in six international games, including four American Bowl exhibitions (Berlin in 1990, Tokyo in 1994 and 1998, and Monterrey in 1996), and two regular-season games (London in 2015 and Frankfurt in 2023).

“To say I’m a blessed man is an understatement,” Meers said in a heartfelt statement. “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.”

Will KC Wolf continue as the Chiefs’ mascot?

The Chiefs are currently searching for the next person to take on the role of KC Wolf, though Meers will remain on standby for emergencies. Several candidates have already been interviewed, according to the team.

KC Wolf’s legacy is unlike that of any other mascot in American sports. With one of the longest and most celebrated careers in the business, he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 and enshrined in the Mascot Hall of Fame back in 2006.

Dan Meers may be stepping away, but the pawprints he’s left on Kansas City - and the hearts of generations of fans - will last forever.

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