Being a mascot may feel like it's all fun and games to an outsider. But the person inside it knows very well all the work required to be put in. It’s not just about being present at the game and enjoying a three-hour journey once a week. In fact, that is just a small portion of the job profile for a mascot. They are generally required to be present at parties, sports events, conventions, etc. In the case of the K.C. Wolf, here is a mascot who has traveled the world visiting countries like Germany, Mexico, and even Japan.
While the main contribution of a mascot is to entertain the crowd at games by performing various stunts, hanging around people and taking pictures with them, dancing to music, and just looking like the happiest human being on earth, his off-field duties also play an important role. Just to give an idea, the K.C. Wolf has an average of about 150 events per year outside of his game duties.
Along with going to events as a mascot, the man inside the suit, Dan Meers, gets approached for motivational speeches across the country as well. Making his presence felt at churches, schools, and businesses, the Wolf has a lot on his plate throughout the year.
How much salary does the K.C. Wolf earn?
As one of the most experienced members in the mascot community of the NFL, Meers is supposedly earning around $65,000 annually at present. On a general level, NFL mascots average approximately $50,000 to $60,000 a year. More experienced and those with better deals with the team can cross $65,000 as well.
The first time Meers wore the suit, he began wondering whether he could actually make a living as a mascot. But once the mascot’s appearances started increasing and his popularity started to grow, he quickly realized that it was very much possible to earn a living.
Also Read: Kansas City Chiefs Mascot
Who is Dan Meers
Dan Meers is the man who has been putting on the K.C. Wolf suit for the past 30-odd years. Approached by the Chiefs when they were first starting the K.C. Wolf program way back in 1989, Meers is yet to relinquish his fun-loving job. Today Meers is 56 years old and has been on this journey for the major part of his life.
In his youth, even before becoming the Wolf, Meers was working as the University of Missouri's mascot, ‘Truman the Tiger’. After that, he got the chance to become ‘Fredbird’ who was the mascot of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. When the Chiefs came calling, Meers decided to take up the opportunity and is now entering his 33rd year with the franchise. He is the longest-serving mascot in sports history and he is also the first mascot to be inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2006.
According to Meers, he has the best job in the world as he gets to make people happy. He loves the organization as a whole, he loves the city and more importantly, he loves his job which is why he has been going strong for so many years.
Also Read: Why is Kansas City Chiefs mascot a wolf
FAQs
A. Dan Meers has been in the K.C. Wolf mascot since its inception in 1989. He is now in his 34th year as the mascot.
A. The K.C. Wolf is a regular member at schools as he spreads good messages and thoughts amongst children.
A. While practicing a zip line performance before a Chiefs game, Dan Meers fell approximately 60-70 feet from the air right on top of the chairs of the stadium. He injured seven ribs, his left lung and more, but thankfully made a great recovery within a year to be back as the K.C. Wolf.
A. The K.C. Wolf mascot was first introduced by the Chiefs in 1989. As of 2023, he is in his 34th year.
