Dan Meers made KC Wolf a legend and the Chiefs should honor him for it

The Kansas City Chiefs had their biggest retirement announcement of this offseason on Tuesday. On National Mascot Day, the Chiefs announced that Dan Meers would be retiring as KC Wolf at the end of the month, bringing to a close one of the longest and most successful careers of any mascot in sports history.

Dan Meers began his run as KC Wolf 35 years ago and has entertained generations of Chiefs fans. There are countless mascots with cute or funny costumes across the country, but Meers' energy and sense of humor really set him apart from the rest. He was lovable enough that every kid wanted to hug him on sight, but it wasn't just the kids that Meers appealed to.

Whether he was doing a silly dance after a field goal or bringing 76,000 fans to their feet as he zipped across the field on his four-wheeler, Meers made games more enjoyable for Chiefs fans of all ages.

Now that he is retiring, the Chiefs should honor Dan Meers with a spot in their Hall of Fame.

Chiefs Kingdom almost lost Meers to an accident in 2013. While rehearsing for a bungee/zip line stunt he was planning for the upcoming game, Meers fell and crashed into the stadium seats below. He broke several bones, including his T-12 vertebra. An accident like that would have likely ended the careers of most mascots, but Meers was back in action as soon as he could be.

A big part of Meers' ability to bounce back is his faith and positive attitude. Meers also works as a motivational speaker, speaking for businesses, schools, and churches. He has also written two books, Wolves Can't Fly (about his accident and recovery) and Mascot on a Mission (about all the places he's been able to go and people he's been able to help as KC Wolf). Both of his books can be found on his website, and all proceeds from the books go towards charities and ministries that he supports.

Meers’ work with the Chiefs led to KC Wolf being the first NFL mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006, and Meers himself was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 (the only mascot to receive that honor). Simply put, Meers is the best. That isn't a homer take from a lifelong Chiefs fan—it's fact. His long tenure, his contributions on game day, and his positive attitude and outreach have deservedly earned him the reputation as one of, if not the best, mascot in sports.

I have no doubt that the Chiefs will eventually honor him with a spot in their Chiefs Hall of Fame. When they do, it won't just be a nice sentimental gesture—it will be a deserved honor to commemorate one of the best to ever do that job. So, on behalf of Chiefs Kingdom, thank you, Dan. KC Wolf won't be the same without you.