Few jersey numbers in the NFL today carry the same weight and instant recognition as Travis Kelce jersey number 87. It’s more than a number stitched onto a uniform — it’s a symbol of family, legacy, dominance, and a cultural phenomenon that stretches far beyond Kansas City.
As of October 2025, Kelce continues to wear No. 87 for the Kansas City Chiefs, entering his 13th season as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. His number has become a visual trademark across stadiums, highlight reels, and even pop culture. Let’s explore the deep story behind 87, why it matters, and how it has become one of the most recognizable numbers in American sports.
Why Travis Kelce Chose Jersey Number 87
Every athlete has a story behind their number, but for Travis Kelce, the choice of 87 is deeply personal.
A Tribute to His Brother Jason
Kelce selected the number 87 as a tribute to his older brother, Jason Kelce, who was born in 1987. Jason has been a major influence on Travis’s life from childhood in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, through college, and all the way to the NFL.
Jason, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles for 13 seasons, is himself a Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Famer. Growing up, Jason was Travis’s protector, mentor, and sometimes fiercest competitor. Wearing his brother’s birth year on his back is Travis’s way of honoring the impact Jason had on his journey.
A Daily Reminder of Motivation
Kelce has often mentioned that wearing 87 keeps him grounded and focused. It’s a constant reminder of where he came from and the family foundation that shaped his work ethic. Every time he steps on the field, the number carries the weight of that personal bond.
This emotional connection is why, through all his career achievements, Kelce has never once considered changing his number. From his rookie season to multiple Super Bowl victories, 87 has been his symbol of identity.
From Rookie to NFL Icon: How Number 87 Rose to Fame
When Travis Kelce was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, he was a promising but unproven tight end out of Cincinnati. Wearing No. 87, he quickly turned heads with his athleticism, versatility, and unique playmaking style.
Over the next decade, Kelce transformed the tight end position. He became a primary offensive weapon, consistently ranking among league leaders in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. As his stardom grew, so did the popularity of the 87 jersey.
Defining Moments While Wearing 87
- 2013: Makes his NFL debut and begins a new era for Kansas City tight ends.
- 2016–2023: Sets a record with seven straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons, redefining what a tight end can achieve.
- 2019: Plays a crucial role in the Chiefs’ first Super Bowl win in 50 years.
- 2020–2024: Becomes Mahomes’ most trusted target, appearing in multiple AFC Championship games and Super Bowls.
- 2025: Enters his 13th season, still wearing 87, still at the top of his game.
Every major catch, touchdown celebration, and championship moment has been made in the iconic red and white No. 87 jersey.
Why Fans Love the Travis Kelce Jersey Number
The Travis Kelce jersey has become a top seller across the United States, consistently ranking near the top of NFL merchandise charts. Chiefs fans wear it with pride, but its popularity extends far beyond Kansas City.
Key Reasons for Its Popularity
- Record-Breaking Performances: Fans love to wear the number associated with historic achievements.
- Team Identity: No. 87 is now a core part of the Chiefs’ brand during their dynasty years.
- Charisma and Personality: Kelce’s off-field charm makes the number more than just sportswear—it’s a fashion statement.
- Big-Game Heroics: Many of his most memorable plays have happened under the bright lights of the postseason.
During Super Bowl weeks, Travis Kelce jerseys regularly sell out nationwide, and it’s common to see 87 jerseys in stadiums outside of Missouri.
Cultural Impact of Number 87 Beyond the Field
What sets the Travis Kelce jersey number apart is how it has crossed over from sports into mainstream culture.
- Fashion and Streetwear: 87 jerseys are worn not just at games, but at concerts, college campuses, and public events. The number has become trendy even for people who aren’t die-hard football fans.
- Celebrity Endorsements: Numerous celebrities have been spotted wearing his jersey at games and events, helping boost its cultural visibility.
- Social Media Influence: Kelce’s media presence — including his podcast, hosting gigs, and social media — has elevated the number’s profile far beyond the NFL’s usual audience.
- Youth Inspiration: Young athletes look up to Kelce as a role model. Many high school and college tight ends choose 87 in tribute to his influence.
The number has become a statement piece, symbolizing both football greatness and cultural relevance.
The Chiefs’ Identity and Number 87
For the Kansas City Chiefs, number 87 is part of their modern dynasty’s visual identity. Alongside Patrick Mahomes’ No. 15, it represents the team’s most dominant era in franchise history.
On-Field Chemistry
Mahomes and Kelce have built one of the most prolific quarterback–tight end partnerships the league has ever seen. Their connection has become almost instinctive, with Mahomes often looking for 87 in critical moments. For fans, seeing the red 87 flash across the screen usually signals something special is about to happen.
Fan Experience
Walking into Arrowhead Stadium on game day, you can’t miss the sea of 87 jerseys. It has become as iconic to Chiefs Kingdom as the Tomahawk Chop chant or the roar of the crowd.
Buying the Travis Kelce Jersey: What Fans Should Know
For those looking to wear No. 87 themselves, authentic and replica jerseys are widely available in different styles:
- Home Jersey (Red) – The most classic and popular option, worn at Arrowhead.
- Away Jersey (White) – Sleek and clean, often worn for big road games.
- Alternate/Special Edition Jerseys – Released for select games or events, often in black or with gold accents.
- Customizable Jerseys – Fans can add special patches or inscriptions to commemorate specific seasons or milestones.
Demand spikes during playoffs and special events, so fans often secure their jerseys early in the season.
The Future of Number 87 in Kansas City
As Kelce continues to play at a high level well into his 30s, speculation has begun about what will happen to number 87 after he retires.
Likely Jersey Retirement
Given his impact on the franchise, many expect the Kansas City Chiefs to retire No. 87 once Kelce’s career ends. This would place him alongside other franchise legends whose numbers will never be worn again.
A Lasting Legacy
Retiring 87 would be a powerful tribute, ensuring that no future player wears the number that defined an era of Chiefs football. It would cement his place in team history not just through stats and trophies, but through a permanent symbol hanging inside Arrowhead Stadium.
More Than a Number
Travis Kelce’s jersey number isn’t just an identifier — it’s a story. It represents family, excellence, and the rise of one of the most influential players of his generation. From honoring his brother Jason to becoming a cultural icon, 87 has come to mean far more than digits on a uniform.
For fans, owning and wearing that number is a way to celebrate not just Kelce’s career, but the era of football dominance he helped create.
What does the number 87 mean to you as a fan? Do you own a Travis Kelce jersey or have a favorite moment tied to it? Share your thoughts below and be part of the conversation.