The Secret Meaning Behind Travis Kelce’s Jersey Number 87: A Full Biography And 2025 Career Update

For any fan searching for the most current information as of December 15, 2025, the answer is definitive: Travis Kelce wears jersey number 87 for the Kansas City Chiefs. This number has become synonymous with the future Hall of Fame tight end, representing one of the most dominant offensive forces in NFL history.

Kelce is currently in his 13th season with the Chiefs, and his iconic number 87 continues to be one of the best-selling jerseys in the league, a phenomenon only amplified by his high-profile relationship and his continued record-breaking performance on the field. The story behind why he chose this specific number is a touching tribute that grounds his larger-than-life career.

Travis Kelce: Complete Biography and Profile

Travis Kelce's journey from a college quarterback-turned-tight end to a three-time Super Bowl champion is one of the most compelling narratives in modern football. His career is defined by consistency, athleticism, and a charismatic personality that extends far beyond the gridiron.

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• Full Name: Travis Michael Kelce
• Date of Birth: October 5, 1989
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 36
• Hometown: Cleveland Heights, Ohio
• High School: Cleveland Heights High School
• College: University of Cincinnati (played quarterback and tight end)
• NFL Draft: Selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round (63rd overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.
• Current Team: Kansas City Chiefs
• Position: Tight End (TE)
• Jersey Number: 87
• Brother: Jason Kelce (former Philadelphia Eagles center)
• Super Bowl Wins: 3 (LIV, LVII, LVIII)
• Major Accolades: 10x Pro Bowl, 4x First-team All-Pro, NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

The Sentimental Reason Why Travis Kelce Wears Number 87

While a jersey number is often just a logistical assignment, for Travis Kelce, the number 87 is deeply personal and serves as a constant reminder of his family and the foundation of his career. It is not a random selection; it is a direct tribute to his older brother and fellow NFL star, Jason Kelce.

A Tribute to Brother Jason Kelce

The core reason Travis Kelce chose the number 87 is to honor his brother, Jason Kelce, who was born in 1987. Travis has often spoken about how much he is "forever in debt" to Jason for his guidance and support, particularly in helping him navigate the complexities of a professional football career. The number 87 symbolizes this lifelong bond and mentorship between the two brothers.

The Tight End and Jersey Number Rules

In the NFL, jersey number rules are specific to a player’s position. Historically, tight ends were restricted to numbers in the 80–89 range, though recent rule changes have expanded the available numbers for many positions, including tight ends. Kelce began his career under the older rules, and the number 87 was available and perfectly suited for his tribute. He has never considered changing it, solidifying the number's legacy in Kansas City.

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The visibility of the number 87 reached a new peak following his relationship with global superstar Taylor Swift, who has been frequently seen wearing Chiefs gear, including jackets and sweaters featuring the number. This cultural crossover has made the number 87 arguably the most recognizable tight end jersey in the world.

Travis Kelce’s Dominance and the 2025 Career Outlook

As of the 2025 season, Travis Kelce continues to defy age and position expectations. He is widely considered one of the greatest tight ends to ever play the game, often mentioned alongside legends like Tony Gonzalez and Rob Gronkowski. His partnership with quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been the cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' dynasty, leading to multiple Super Bowl championships.

Record-Breaking Career Achievements

Kelce's statistical output is staggering. He holds the record for the most consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons by a tight end, a streak that showcases his unparalleled consistency and durability. He was also the fastest tight end in NFL history to reach 8,000 career receiving yards.

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His impressive list of honors, including 10 Pro Bowl selections and four First-team All-Pro nods, places him among the elite of the elite in the sport.

The 2025 Season and Retirement Speculation

The 2025 NFL season has been marked by intense speculation regarding Kelce’s future. At 36 years old, and with his contract set to expire, many observers believe the 2025 season could potentially be his last. Despite the whispers of retirement, Kelce has maintained that he will not make a final decision until after the season concludes, focusing entirely on his performance for the Chiefs.

His performance in 2025 remains high, demonstrating that he still possesses the elite athleticism and football IQ to compete at the highest level. His dedication to the team was recently recognized when he was named the Kansas City Chiefs Club Winner for a prestigious national award, highlighting his leadership and community involvement.

The 'New Heights' Podcast and Off-Field Persona

Beyond the field, Kelce has cultivated a massive following through the highly successful "New Heights" podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Jason. The podcast offers fans an intimate, unfiltered look into the lives of two professional athletes, becoming a significant cultural entity. This successful venture, combined with his high-profile personal life, has made Travis Kelce one of the most recognizable and marketable figures in sports today, further cementing his cultural footprint well beyond his number 87 jersey. The podcast is a prime example of his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to connect with a broad audience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Travis Kelce's position on the Kansas City Chiefs?

Travis Kelce plays the Tight End (TE) position for the Kansas City Chiefs. He is known for his versatility, acting as both a primary receiver and a blocker in the Chiefs' high-powered offense.

Why is Travis Kelce's number 87 so popular?

The number 87 is popular due to Travis Kelce’s legendary status as a player, his role in the Chiefs' Super Bowl dynasty, and its cultural visibility, which was significantly boosted by his relationship with Taylor Swift. The sentimental reason—honoring his brother Jason—also adds a compelling layer to its appeal.

How many Super Bowls has Travis Kelce won with the Chiefs?

As of the 2025 season, Travis Kelce has won three Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs (LIV, LVII, and LVIII), playing a critical role in each victory alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes.