Chiefs Honor Retiring Dan Meers with KC Wolf Retirement and Warpaint Revival
Kansas City, MO – June 27, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to pay tribute to Dan Meers, the beloved KC Wolf mascot who retired after 35 years, by retiring the character for the 2025 season and reviving the historic Warpaint mascot, sources told ESPN. Meers’ departure marks the end of an era, accompanied by widespread admiration from Chiefs Kingdom.
Meers, now 58, officially stepped away from his role on July 1, 2025, following the passing of his son Cam, as reported by Chiefs.com. Reflecting on his tenure, he shared, “I’m a blessed man,” highlighting his involvement in 375 games, including three Super Bowl victories, according to The Kansas City Star. As the NFL’s longest-serving mascot, Meers performed at over 10,000 events, earning induction into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006. Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt praised his infectious joy, noting its impact on the fanbase, per NFL.com.
To honor Meers’ legacy, the Chiefs will shelve KC Wolf for 2025, a decision reflecting his unparalleled contribution. In its place, Warpaint—a horse mascot from 1963 to 1989—will return in a modernized form, free of controversial cultural imagery, aiming to reignite fan enthusiasm, according to team sources. Meers, transitioning to a consultant role, advised his successor, “Carry the spirit forward,” as reported by KMBC, ensuring his influence endures at Arrowhead Stadium.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. “Dan made KC Wolf iconic,” one supporter posted online, while others welcomed Warpaint’s comeback, hoping it will propel the Chiefs toward Super Bowl LX. However, the team faces challenges with just $11.2 million in cap space following their Super Bowl LIX loss, limiting roster adjustments, per Arrowhead Pride. Warpaint’s revival is seen as a strategic move to rally Chiefs Kingdom during this transitional period.
Meers’ faith and positivity have inspired the return of Warpaint, symbolizing a new chapter for the franchise. Whether this change will reignite Kansas City’s competitive fire remains to be seen. Stay tuned to ESPN for the latest updates on this historic shift as the 2025 season approaches.
