By Eric Stann
Photos courtesy Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Allison Fitts and Trevor Lerit.
Feb. 5, 2025
Contact: Eric Stann, StannE@missouri.edu
When the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles clash at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9, the University of Missouri’s pawprints will be all over the action.
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.
During this year’s Super Bowl, many Mizzou alumni are making an impact both on and off the field. Among them, here are 10 Tiger connections linked to the NFL’s biggest day.
Matt McMullen: Chief storyteller
Matt McMullen, BJ, BS ’15, isn’t just watching the Super Bowl — he’s telling its story from the Kansas City Chiefs’ point of view. As the team’s in-house reporter, McMullen has spent the last seven years crafting content for Chiefs.com and social media, hosting the pregame show and analyzing plays after the game. With a resume that includes internships for several Major League Baseball teams, McMullen’s journey is a masterclass on how to turn a passion for sports into a career.
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. She also helped direct a concert at the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Nick Bolton: True Tiger
Former Mizzou linebacker (2018-2020) Nick Bolton 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 championship rings. From a prestigious Butkus Award finalist to NFL standout, Bolton is a Tiger through and through.
Charles Harris: Eagle with Mizzou roots
Former Mizzou defensive end (2013-2016) Charles Harris, BHS ’17, joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. Selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Harris previously played for the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers. A Kansas City native, Harris had 61 tackles during his final season at Mizzou, the second-most on the team that year.
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.
Trevor Lerit: From Truman to KC Wolf’s assistant
After three years as Truman the Tiger, Trevor Lerit, BJ ’24, graduated from Mizzou and became KC Wolf’s seasonal mascot coordinator. He helps KC Wolf with gameday visits and manages the schedule for the Kansas City Chiefs’ mascot. He even starred as one of the beloved mascots in the Hallmark movie “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.”
From Mizzou Golden Girls to Chiefs cheerleaders
From the roar of Faurot Field to the electric energy of Arrowhead Stadium, 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.
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.
Andy Hill: Mizzou’s gridiron to the NFL
Andy Hill, BA ’85, has been coaching football for decades, including 24 seasons at Mizzou (1996-2019). The former Tiger also caught 51 passes for 946 yards and seven touchdowns while playing for Mizzou (1980-84). Now as the assistant special teams coach with the Kansas City Chiefs, he’s been a vital part of the team’s back-to-back Super Bowl wins.
Dave Toub: From Mizzou to Arrowhead’s special teams’ strategist
Dave Toub’s impressive coaching resume began at Mizzou where he served as head strength coach (1989-1997) and defensive line coach (1998-2000). Now, as the Chiefs’ assistant head coach and special teams coordinator, Toub’s leadership on the coaching staff has helped power the team to eight straight division titles, six AFC Championship games and four Super Bowl appearances.
