Travis Kelce is one of the most famous NFL players currently competing, and his number is also iconic.

The Kansas City Chiefs star wears 87 on his jersey, and there is a personal reason behind the choice.

Getty

The 35-year-old is hoping to help the Chiefs make history at Super Bowl LIX when they go for the three-peat.

Kelce and co are looking to win a third consecutive Super Bowl and become the only team in NFL history to do so.

Why does Travis Kelce wear number 87?

The number 87 is directly linked to his older brother Jason.

Jason was also an NFL player, representing the Philadelphia Eagles for 12 years and winning one Super Bowl, while narrowly missing out in 2023 against his brother and the Chiefs.

But Travis’ love and respect for his elder sibling is what inspires his choice of number.

During an NFL Films interview in 2023, Travis revealed everything about why he wears number 87.

He said: “If there is a Kelce legacy, two brothers making it to the NFL, it all started in 1987 because this big guy [Jason] was born in 1987.

“I am forever in debt to this guy for putting his name, our name, putting his honour on the line to get me another chance. When I say I owe it all to him, I do.”

While sitting next to his brother, he then paid tribute to Jason.

“I love you. You’re the only reason why I wear the number 87 anyway,” he said as he handed his brother a jersey.

“I never told you that, man. You started the legacy.”

However, Jason isn’t quite so convinced that is the reason.

His wife, Kylie, revealed on her podcast that her husband maybe doesn’t believe his brother.

During an episode in late 2024, she said: “Jason still calls bull. Jason still calls bull on that revelation. He’s like, ‘no, you got given ’87’, and were like, ‘uh, how can I remember this? It’s my brother’s birth year.”

Getty

Even if the original reason for Travis wearing 87 wasn’t to do with his brother, it is still a great sign of respect that he’s continued to use that number.

Now that Jason has retired, it’s even better to see Travis using 87 as a constant tribute to Jason.

But given Jason’s connection to the Eagles, he might have split loyalties when the 2025 Super Bowl kicks off.