Chiefs lose one of the longest-tenured members in the NFL after personal announcement

Andy Reid and his Kansas City Chiefs face the tough challenge of making another Super Bowl run while maintaining the elite level of play that has made them one of the NFL’s top teams in recent years. The latest news adds another wrinkle to their journey, as one of the franchise’s longest-tenured members has announced his retirement.

Patrick Mahomes will once again lead the way as the team’s starting quarterback, and there’s growing optimism in Missouri about the Chiefs dominating the AFC West once more — potentially paving a smoother path toward the final stretch of the season.

With Travis Kelce confirmed to return for at least one more season, the quest for redemption after their last Super Bowl loss to the Eagles becomes all the more urgent. The big question now looms: can they once again hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy when it matters most — on the final night of the season?

A retirement before the season begins

The Chiefs’ world was shaken in the early hours following the confirmation of the retirement of one of the franchise’s most iconic figures. KC Wolf — the beloved team mascot portrayed by Dan Meers — is hanging up the costume after 35 incredible years.

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt shared a heartfelt message through the team’s official Instagram account, praising Dan Meers for his dedicated service since joining the organization in 1990.

“Dan Meers has been the heart and soul behind KC Wolf for 35 years,” Chiefs owner said in a statement on Tuesday. “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.”

A legendary farewell for KC Wolf

The year 2006 marked a turning point in KC Wolf’s career, as the Chiefs highlighted his induction into the Mascot Hall of Fame — becoming the first NFL mascot to ever receive that honor.

“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 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,” Meers said in a statement.

“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!”