October 5. That’s the day. If you’re a member of Chiefs Kingdom or a dedicated Swiftie, you probably have it circled in red on your calendar. Travis Kelce was born on October 5, 1989, in Westlake, Ohio.
But here’s the thing: Travis actually hates it.
Honestly, he’s gone on record calling his own birthday "annoying." He even compared himself to the Grinch during a recent episode of the New Heights podcast. While most of us are looking for any excuse to eat cake and be the center of attention, the future Hall of Famer would rather treat it like just another Tuesday at the office. Well, a Sunday at the office, usually.
The Man, The Myth, The Libra
Travis Michael Kelce entered the world in 1989. Sound familiar? It’s the same year his fiancée, Taylor Swift, was born. She even named an entire world-conquering album after it.
He recently hit the big 3-6. Turning 36 in the NFL is basically like being 105 in human years. Most tight ends are long retired by that age, probably sitting on a porch somewhere talking about their glory days. Travis? He’s still out there running routes and taking hits from guys ten years younger than him.
✨ Don't miss: The Division 2 National Championship Game: How Ferris State Just Redrew the Record Books
His brother, Jason Kelce, loves to poke fun at the age thing. On their podcast, Jason tried to get into the "numerology" of turning 36. He called it "half of 72" and a "baker’s dozen times three." Travis wasn't having any of it. He basically told Jason to shut up and move on.
Why the "Annoying" Label?
It’s not that Travis is ungrateful. He just doesn’t like the fuss. He’s spent the last decade-plus in the spotlight, and maybe when your life is that loud, a birthday feels like a redundant megaphone.
There’s also the "birthday game" curse.
Jason tried to look up Travis's career stats for games played on or around October 5. Travis shut that down immediately. "I don’t think we should look that up," he joked, "because I don't think they're very good." He’s a perfectionist. If he doesn’t have a 100-yard game on his birthday, he probably feels like he let the day down.
🔗 Read more: Por qué los partidos de Primera B de Chile son más entretenidos que la división de honor
When is Travis Kelce Birthday: A Timeline of Celebrations
Despite his "Grinch" attitude, the world doesn't let him ignore it. The Kansas City Chiefs usually go all out. For his 36th, the team posted a three-part tribute on social media. They called him the "human exclamation point."
- The 21st Birthday Incident: This is legendary. Jason and a bunch of offensive linemen pinned Travis down and forced him to celebrate with a bottle of tequila. It ended with tequila in his eyes and a very messy bed.
- The Swift Era: Since dating Taylor Swift, the birthday stakes have skyrocketed. In 2025, reports swirled about elaborate parties and high-end gifts.
- Engagement Year: 2025 was massive because the couple got engaged in August. By the time October 5 rolled around, the birthday wasn't just about a football player; it was about one-half of the world's most famous couple.
Taylor's birthday is December 13, so they’re basically bookended by celebrations during the busiest part of the NFL season. It’s a lot of pressure.
Does Age Affect His Game?
People keep waiting for Travis to "fall off a cliff."
It hasn't happened. Even at 36, his production is wild. In the 2025 season, he recorded a vintage performance just a week after his birthday, racking up 78 yards against the Detroit Lions. He’s proving that being a "senior citizen" in NFL terms doesn't mean you can't still dominate the middle of the field.
💡 You might also like: South Carolina women's basketball schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
He’s the fastest tight end to reach 11,000 receiving yards. He’s got three Super Bowl rings. He’s essentially redefined what the position looks like. Most guys his age are coaching high school ball. He’s still Patrick Mahomes' favorite target.
What Really Matters on October 5
If you want to celebrate like Travis, maybe don't buy him a "Happy Birthday" balloon.
Instead, look at what he does off the field. His foundation, 87 & Running, does a ton of work for underprivileged youth in Kansas City and Cleveland. He’s big on "giving back" rather than "taking in."
Key Takeaways for Fans
- The Date: October 5, 1989. Mark it down.
- The Vibe: Low-key. He’s not a fan of the "Happy Birthday" song.
- The Stats: He’s superstitious about his birthday week performance. Don't bring up the box score unless he wins.
- The Connection: Being born in 1989 is a huge point of connection with Taylor Swift. It’s "their year."
Moving forward, keep an eye on how the Chiefs schedule his birthday games. As he gets older, the "Father Time" narrative will only get louder. But if his 36th year was any indication, he’s got plenty of gas left in the tank.
If you're planning on sending him a gift, maybe make a donation to 87 & Running. Or just buy some New Heights merch. That’s probably the only way he’ll actually appreciate the gesture without calling it "annoying."
Next Steps:
To stay truly updated on Travis, subscribe to the New Heights podcast on YouTube. They drop new episodes every Wednesday, and that’s where you’ll get the real, unvarnished stories about his life, his relationship, and why he thinks birthdays are overrated. You can also follow the official Kansas City Chiefs social media accounts for the inevitable "human exclamation point" tributes when October 5 rolls around next year.