If you’ve watched a single Kansas City Chiefs game in the last decade, you know the sight: a massive, 6-foot-5 frame barreling down the seam, usually leaving a linebacker in the dust. That’s Travis Kelce. He’s the guy who basically redefined what a modern tight end looks like. But beyond the highlight-reel catches and the Super Bowl rings, there is one constant that fans see every Sunday. It's the two digits on his back. What number is Travis Kelce? He is number 87.
Honestly, in the world of sports, numbers usually just feel like math. Quarterbacks want their single digits, and offensive linemen are stuck in the 60s and 70s. But for Kelce, 87 isn't just a random assignment from a locker room manager. It’s actually a pretty deep tribute to family.
Why Travis Kelce Wears Number 87
Basically, the story goes back to brotherly love. Travis has been very vocal about the fact that he wears 87 to honor his older brother, Jason Kelce. Jason was born in 1987.
It’s kinda wild when you think about it. Most guys pick a number because of a childhood idol or because it was their high school lucky charm. Travis chose his to recognize the person who literally paved the way for him. During an interview with NFL Films, Travis actually got a bit emotional about it. He told Jason right to his face that he's the only reason he wears 87. He said, "If there is a Kelce legacy... it all started in 1987 because this big guy was born in 1987."
The "New Heights" Twist
Now, if you listen to their podcast, New Heights, you know Jason isn't exactly the type to let a sentimental moment go unchallenged. In a late 2025 episode, Jason actually called "BS" on the whole heartfelt story. He joked—well, maybe half-joked—that Travis just wanted to wear 88 because of Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez, but since that was taken or unavailable, he just "retroactively" made up the 1987 birth year story. Travis stood his ground, though. Whether it was the original plan or a happy coincidence he leaned into later, the "87 for 1987" narrative is the one that has stuck.
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What Number Was Travis Kelce Before the NFL?
Before he was a household name in Kansas City, Travis was a Bearcat. At the University of Cincinnati, things looked a little different. He didn't wear 87 back then. He actually wore number 18.
His college career wasn't exactly a straight line to success. Most people don't realize he actually spent some time as a backup quarterback before fully committing to the tight end spot. He even faced a suspension in 2010 that nearly ended his career. That’s where the Jason connection gets even stronger. Jason, who was also at Cincinnati at the time, basically put his own reputation on the line to get Travis back on the team. He let Travis move into his place and helped him stay on the right path.
When Travis finally made the jump to the NFL in 2013, he was a third-round pick. That’s when the switch to 87 happened, and he hasn't looked back since.
Is He Still Number 87 in 2026?
As of early 2026, there is a lot of chatter about the future. The 2025 season was a bit of a reality check for the Chiefs. They finished 6-11 and missed the playoffs for the first time in forever. Travis is now 36 years old—he'll be 37 by the time the next season really gets going.
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Is he still wearing 87? Yes. But for how much longer? His contract is officially up.
On the New Heights podcast just a few days ago, Travis admitted he’s currently "unemployed" in a technical sense. He hasn't officially retired, but he hasn't signed a new deal yet either. He told fans that if his body feels like it can handle another 21-week grind, he’d do it "in a heartbeat." But the toll of 13 seasons is real. He’s caught a pass in 174 consecutive games. That’s a lot of hits.
The Stats Behind the Number
If 2025 was the end, the number 87 is going straight to the Hall of Fame. Look at what he’s done:
- 13,002 career receiving yards (as of the end of the 2025 regular season).
- 1,080 receptions, which is just staggering for a tight end.
- 82 receiving touchdowns (85 total).
- 3 Super Bowl rings (LIV, LVII, and LVIII).
He also holds the record for the most 1,000-yard seasons by a tight end. He did it seven times. Seven! Most tight ends are lucky to get one or two in a career.
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The Cultural Impact of the 87 Jersey
We can't talk about what number is Travis Kelce without mentioning the "Taylor Swift effect." When the two started dating, sales of the number 87 jersey didn't just go up—they exploded. Reports showed a 400% surge in sales almost overnight.
Suddenly, 87 wasn't just a sports jersey. It was a pop culture symbol. You started seeing it at concerts, in malls, and all over social media. It turned a gritty football number into something that felt way more "lifestyle."
What’s Next for No. 87?
The Chiefs are already prepping for a world where 87 isn't on the field. They recently signed Tre Watson to a reserve/future contract. It’s a smart move. You can't replace a legend, but you have to have a plan.
Whether Travis decides to come back for one more run in 2026 or chooses to transition into a full-time media career (he’s already doing the podcast and hosting Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?), the number 87 is essentially retired in the hearts of Kansas City fans. It’s synonymous with the greatest era in the franchise's history.
If you’re looking to grab some gear or just want to keep up with his potential return, here is the move:
- Check the transaction wire: The next few weeks are huge. If Kelce is coming back, a contract extension with the Chiefs (or a shock move elsewhere, as Rob Gronkowski has speculated) will happen before the draft.
- Follow the podcast: New Heights is where the real news breaks first. They don't use PR filters there.
- Watch the health updates: Travis has been clear that his decision depends on how his body heals this off-season. Keep an eye on any news regarding minor surgeries or rehab.
The legacy of 87 is already written. Now we just wait to see if there's one more chapter.