With every legacy, there must be a good foundation.
In the case of the football success of four Meier brothers from Pittsburg, the oldest brother, Shad, helped provide the necessary example.
Shad is the first of four brothers – Adam, Dylan, and Kerry – to earn All-State honors at Pittsburg High School, play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl and play college football. An All-Big 12 tight end for the Kansas State Wildcats, Shad went on to be a third-round draft pick, and spend six seasons in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints.
Dylan went on to follow Shad at Kansas State and play quarterback. Adam enjoyed a successful career as a defensive back at Division II power Pittsburg State. Kerry started as a quarterback at Kansas before moving to wide receiver and taking his talents to the Atlanta Falcons.
Shad retired from the NFL after the 2006 season. Let’s take a look back on his career in the latest of a series of Q&A articles revisiting some of the state’s most successful football players.
Tell me a little bit about what you’re doing these days.
I am happily married to my college sweetheart and have two daughters (Olivia Reese, 5, and Arwen Sophia, 1). I am in a post baccalaureate program to get a teaching license for secondary education. I also coach the running backs/tight ends at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tenn.
What is your favorite memory of playing football at Pittsburg High School?
My favorite memory from PHS football was being in the locker room before a game. The intensity was off the charts! I loved the pregame speeches, and we knew were ready to go when “Pinto” (Matt Pinamonti) threw up in the trash can.
What was the most important lesson you learned from Coach Larry Garman?
Through hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything.
What was the recruiting process like, and why did you choose to play for Kansas State?
The recruiting process was fun. My experience was somewhat straightforward. I had only a few Division I offers, so choosing Kansas State was easy. Coach Snyder and his whole staff were very welcoming to me and my family. I really enjoyed my time as a Wildcat.
What is your favorite memory with the Wildcats?
I had so many great memories at KSU. One was having Coach Garman and his wife Karen at the Eddie Robinson Classic in KC with record temps. Wow, was that hot. Also, catching my first TD in Boulder against Colorado and training with my teammates in the summers.
What was draft day like?
Draft day was a LONG day. My agent told me that I was a tweener, meaning that I could go on the first or second day. No one knows, for sure, when or where they will get drafted. I remember having a few friends and family out at my house in Pittsburg. It was a relaxed atmosphere … then, the phone rang. “Can I speak with Shad Meier, it’s Coach Jeff Fisher with the Tennessee Titans!!!” Everything was a blur from then on. That was a great day.
What is your favorite memory of the NFL?
My favorite memory of my NFL career was my 05-06 season. I was playing for the New Orleans Saints and just went through Hurricane Katrina. Our backs were against the wall the whole season. Even though our record did not reflect greatness, I learned more about who I was and what it takes to win as a team that year.
Who is the most talented player you had to compete against?
Kevin Carter. He was a beast. He made me a much better player, mostly because I had to go against him every day in practice. He was the total package. He could dominate the run, rush the passer, be a great leader, and he brought a high-energy presence to the team. He had a move that I could not defend even when I knew it was coming.
What advice would you give to a young player who has dreams of playing major college football and in the NFL?
I would tell any young player wanting to succeed to control two things: their attitude and effort. There are so many things in football that are out of your control like genetic makeup, God-given abilities and, to some extent, injuries. Make sure to focus on what is in your control. Even though the town of Pittsburg had a deep football tradition, it was not in a major football market. All I could do what put my best forward every day and let the chips fall where they may. Doing that gave me the comfort of knowing that I gave it may all and had no regrets.
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