Why Travis Kelce Wears the Iconic Number 87- The Story Behind the Chiefs Star’s Uniform Choice
Why is Travis Kelce number 87? This question often comes up among football fans and Kansas City Chiefs supporters. Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Chiefs, has worn the number 87 throughout his entire NFL career. But what’s the significance behind this number, and how did it become his identifier on the field?
Travis Kelce was born on December 21, 1992, in Westlake, Louisiana. He attended John Ehret High School in Metairie, Louisiana, where he was a three-year starter and All-State selection at tight end. After high school, Kelce attended the University of Cincinnati, where he continued to excel as a tight end. During his college career, he was named First-Team All-American and was a three-time All-Conference selection.
When Kelce entered the NFL Draft in 2013, he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round as the 63rd overall pick. Despite being drafted as a tight end, he was initially assigned the number 88, which was the number worn by the Chiefs’ legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez. However, Gonzalez retired after the 2013 season, and the Chiefs had a new number to assign to their young tight end.
The number 87 had been previously worn by a few Chiefs players, including defensive tackle Adam Carriker, who wore it from 2007 to 2012. The Chiefs organization saw the potential in Travis Kelce and decided to assign him the number 87, which would become his identity on the field.
There are several reasons why the number 87 has become synonymous with Travis Kelce. Firstly, the number itself holds a special meaning to him. When he was younger, his father, Travis Kelce Sr., gave him the number 87 as a gift. His father believed that the number would bring him good luck and success, and it has indeed done just that.
Secondly, the number 87 represents a sense of legacy and continuity within the Chiefs organization. By wearing the number, Travis Kelce is paying homage to the players who came before him and the history of the Chiefs. The number 87 has become a symbol of the team’s commitment to building a strong and successful tight end position.
Lastly, Travis Kelce’s performance on the field has earned him the right to wear the number 87. Since joining the Chiefs, he has become one of the best tight ends in the NFL, setting numerous records and leading the team to Super Bowl victories. His talent, leadership, and dedication have made the number 87 synonymous with excellence on the football field.
In conclusion, the reason why Travis Kelce is number 87 is a combination of personal significance, team history, and his exceptional performance as a player. The number 87 has become an integral part of his identity and a symbol of his success in the NFL. As long as he continues to excel on the field, the number 87 will remain a cherished part of his legacy.
