As the NFL’s longest-tenured mascot, Meers has played the role for 35 years.

On Tuesday, Dan Meers announced his retirement as the Kansas City Chiefs’ beloved mascot “KC Wolf.”

Meers took on the role in 1990, completing 35 years as the team’s mascot in 2024.

A native of St. Charles, Missouri, Meers was a 1990 graduate of the University of Missouri, where he performed as “Truman the Tiger” for four seasons. He began his professional career with a short stint as “Fredbird” for the St. Louis Cardinals before joining the Chiefs, who had introduced their new mascot in 1989.

“For the past 35 years I’ve had my dream job,” said Meers in an official statement. “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.

“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!”

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Meers portrayed “KC Wolf” in over 10,000 appearances in 38 states and 12 countries around the world — including U.S. military installations at home and overseas — becoming the league’s longest-tenured mascot by more than a dozen years.

“KC Wolf” was the first NFL mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2020, Meers became the first (and only) mascot inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He earned the team’s Presidential Award in 1993 and the Chiefs Service Award in 2016.

“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,” said Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt. “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 will continue to be involved with the Chiefs organization as a consultant. The team is already searching for his replacement. Top candidates have already been interviewed.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs are inviting fans and families to share their favorite photos and videos of themselves with “KC Wolf” at www.Chiefs.com/wolfmemories.