From mascot to mastermind: Mizzou alumni shine at Super Bowl LIX

SUPER BOWL LIX

Richard Rickman

MU Extension

When our home-state Kansas City Chiefs take the field on Sunday versus the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX there will be many Missouri Tigers who will put “pawprints” all over the Big game. The Super Bowl is more than a game — it’s a cultural phenomenon. From electrifying on-field plays and iconic halftime entertainment, it’s a night that unites millions.

This year many Mizzou Alumni will make an impact both on and off the field. Here are a few of them.

Nick Bolton: Former Mizzou linebacker (2018-2020) isn’t just a defensive star — he’s a game-changer. Selected by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Bolton’s early career highlights already include his 36-yard scoop-and-score touchdown in Super Bowl LVII and two rings. Bolton is a Tiger through and through.

Allison Fitts: Behind the (halftime) music. Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show is sure to be iconic, and Allison Fitts, BS BA ’16, is part of the production powerhouse behind it. Fitts’ career spans a decade in the live music industry, including the last three years as Lamar’s tour production coordinator.

Dan Meers: The man behind the KC mascot. Dan Meers, BJ, BA ’90, is best known as KC Wolf, the Kansas City Chiefs’ official mascot. Meers’ path as a mascot began at Mizzou in 1986, where he spent four years as Truman the Tiger. After Mizzou, he began his professional career as Fredbird, the St. Louis Cardinals’ mascot. With KC Wolf inducted as the first NFL mascot in the Mascot Hall of Fame, Meers is the embodiment of the Chiefs Kingdom’s spirit.

Mizzou Golden Girls. Several former Mizzou Golden Girls are still dancing under the brightest lights. Carly Hays, BHS ’23, Sadie Harmon, BS ’22, and Paige Coss, BA ’24, have traded their black and gold for red and gold, joining the Kansas City Chiefs cheerleading squad.

Finally, Andy Reid: Big Red’s Mizzou roots. Before he was a legendary NFL head coach, most recently in Kansas City, Andy Reid honed his craft as Mizzou’s offensive line coach (1989-1991). Now with more than 300 NFL wins, which ranks fourth all-time among NFL head coaches, Reid has cemented his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.

There are other Tigers involved in the game as well. Look for ALL of them on Sunday. Enjoy the game!

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