by Travis Kelce’s Number 87 Transcends Just a Jersey Number; It’s a Tribute to His Brotherly Bond
For Travis Kelce, the star tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, his jersey number 87 signifies much more than just digits on the back of his uniform. The number holds deep personal meaning as a constant reminder of the inspiration and support he has received from his older brother Jason Kelce throughout his football career. But Travis’s on-field achievements and media spotlight have also elevated number 87 beyond just a tribute – it has become an iconic symbol representing both Kelce’s talent and the power of family.
Inspiration from His Brother
The story begins with Jason Kelce, who was born in 1987. He is a veteran NFL center who has spent his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles since being drafted by them in 2011. As the younger brother looking up to Jason, Travis was inspired to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in football as well. He wears the number 87 as a way to pay homage to his big brother’s birth year and the motivation Jason provided.
“It means a lot,” Travis said of wearing the number in honor of his brother. “He’s been there supporting me since day one. Wearing 87 is a constant reminder of where I came from and who believed in me from the jump.” Jason returned the sentiment, saying how proud he is to see his little brother succeed in the NFL while representing their family bond through his jersey selection.
The number 87 first appeared on Travis’s uniform during his college football days at the University of Cincinnati from 2010 to 2012. Even back then, he was already finding success as a standout tight end. But it was donning the number as a tribute to Jason that seemed to give Travis an extra boost of confidence and determination. He credits his brother for helping him develop both on and off the field in his early years.
Sibling Rivalry Turned Respect
Fast forward to 2023, and the Kelce brothers made history by becoming the first siblings to face off against each other in a Super Bowl. Travis and the Chiefs defeated Jason’s Eagles 31-20 in Super Bowl LVII. While the competitive spirit between the brothers was alive during the big game, the number 87 Travis wore highlighted the strong bond and respect they still share.
After the game, Travis said playing against his brother and longtime role model was “a dream come true.” He called Jason “the best center in the league” and praised his work ethic and leadership. For his part, Jason was equally complimentary of Travis’s talents, saying he is “just as proud of him as a player as I am as a brother.” Their post-game embrace showed there were no hard feelings about the result – only joy in being able to share such a memorable moment together on football’s biggest stage.
The Kelce brothers’ unique story of making it to the Super Bowl against each other gained widespread attention. But Travis’s jersey number served as a constant visual that, no matter the outcome, family would always come before anything between the lines. Their sibling rivalry transformed into mutual admiration, with number 87 cementing Travis’s lifelong dedication to his big brother who first set him on the path to NFL stardom.
On-Field Achievements
While the personal meaning behind 87 remains Travis Kelce’s driving motivation, he has taken the number to iconic status through his own on-field production and accomplishments in Kansas City. Entering his 11th season in 2024, Kelce has established himself as arguably the best tight end of his generation. His stats in a Chiefs uniform make clear why number 87 is so revered among fans.
Kelce owns virtually every major receiving record for a tight end in franchise history. He has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in 5 consecutive seasons, with a high of 1,416 in 2020. His 11,879 career receiving yards are the most by any Chief regardless of position. Kelce’s game-winning touchdown catch in overtime of the 2019 AFC Championship helped deliver the team’s first Super Bowl appearance in 50 years. He followed that up with another championship the following season.
In addition to his two Super Bowl rings, Kelce’s accolades include 6 Pro Bowl selections and 4 First-Team All-Pro honors. He is widely considered a future Hall of Famer. All the while, Kelce has worn his number 87 as a symbol of his dominance at his position. Fans have come to associate the digits with big plays and clutch performances that have defined the Chiefs’ era of success under coach Andy Reid.
Kelce’s legacy in Kansas City is already secure. But number 87 has taken on a larger meaning beyond just one franchise or city. It represents elite tight end play, toughness, and championship pedigree. When NFL fans see 87, they think of Travis Kelce and the outstanding career he has crafted while paying homage to his brother through his jersey selection.
Media Spotlight
Off the field, Travis Kelce’s outgoing personality and dating life have also brought significant media attention to his number 87. Whether making hilarious interviews on podcasts or being photographed with celebrity girlfriends, Kelce seems to find himself in the spotlight as frequently without his pads as with them.
One such high-profile instance was when pop superstar Taylor Swift was spotted wearing a Kelce Chiefs jersey to attend an NFL playoff game in 2023. Naturally, pictures of the singer in his number 87 blew up online. Kelce jokingly said he was hoping to get a date with Swift after seeing her sporting his uniform. While that never materialized, the brief romance rumors only amplified Kelce’s celebrity and the recognition of his jersey number among casual NFL and entertainment fans.
Another way Kelce has kept number 87 prominently featured off the gridiron is through his podcast “New Heights.” Launched in 2022, the show features Kelce chatting with various guests about sports, entertainment, business and more. It consistently ranks among the most downloaded podcasts on major platforms. The podcast’s logo prominently displays 87, further spreading awareness of the number beyond Kelce’s on-field exploits.
With his outgoing personality and business ventures, Kelce has turned number 87 into a personal brand. It is more than just something printed on his back for Sundays – it is intertwined with his identity and everything he does publicly. Through his play, media appearances, and relationships with celebrities, Kelce has singlehandedly made 87 one of the most iconic jersey numbers in the entire NFL.
Conclusion – A Symbol of Family
As Travis Kelce’s career winds down in its later stages, the legacy of his number 87 is already firmly cemented. Through a combination of on-field production, a heartwarming backstory, and ubiquitous media presence, Kelce has transformed 87 from a simple jersey number into a true symbol. It represents not only his greatness as a player, but also the power of family and the inspiration one can draw from a sibling.
For Travis, number 87 will always be a tribute to his big brother Jason first and foremost. Their unique bond of making it to a Super Bowl against each other brought their story to the national spotlight. But the number has grown to take on much more meaning beyond their relationship alone. When NFL fans see 87 now, they think of championships, records, and big plays on Sundays.
Most of all, they are reminded that behind every great athlete is support from those closest to them. Travis Kelce wearing 87 as an homage to his brother exemplifies that. It shows how far dedication to family can help take someone. As Kelce heads into the later stages of his career, his number is etched in Canton-bound immortality. But it will always be a heartfelt tribute to the man who inspired him to get there – his brother Jason. That is the true legacy of why number 87 has become so iconic.
