Mandatory minicamp begins on Tuesday for the Kansas City Chiefs. While most fans are understandably focused on the on-field product and changes certain players are making, the organization just announced a major piece of news that'll change the experience at games moving forward.
Dan Meers, a beloved Kansas City native who has donned the KC Wolf mascot costume for 35 years, has officially decided to retire. It's National Mascot Day, so it's a fitting time, but it's still a somber moment for Chiefs Kingdom.
Widely considered to be one of (if not the) best mascots ever, Meers helped transform the profession and is one of the most recognizable figures around the city. It's a well-deserved retirement, and Meers deserves to be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor once it's all said and done.
Today's a big day for the man behind the mask, and not just because it's National Mascot Day. After 35 years as KC Wolf, Dan Meers will be officially hanging up the suit.
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) June 17, 2025
Dan has been an integral part of #ChiefsKingdom for over three decades and has cemented himself as one of… pic.twitter.com/RwJZB0tOT4
Chiefs Mascot KC Wolf Retires After 35 Years with the Organization
In a touching statement posted on the team's official X account, the franchise heaped praise on Meers while noting his tremendous impact.
"Today's a big day for the man behind the mask, and not just because it's National Mascot Day. After 35 years as KC Wolf, Dan Meers will be officially hanging up the suit," the post read. "Dan has been an integral part of Chiefs Kingdom for over three decades and has cemented himself as one of the best mascots of all time! Stay tuned as we'll be sharing some of our favorite KC Wolf moments in the coming weeks before his official retirement on July 1."
If you grew up in Kansas City, you'll likely attended one of Meers' motivational speeches, sermons, or workshops. His glowing smile lit up every room, and the kindness he showed the community will make him a legend in fans' minds forever.
Whether he was performing a skit before a game or firing up the crowd during it, Meers was a constant presence that couldn't be ignored. His efforts have been cherished for over three decades, and now he'll get to enjoy a deserved retirement.
Thank you Dan, and here's wishing him all of the best in his future endeavors.