Travis Kelce: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About 87

With rumors swirling about Travis Kelce’s potential romance with pop superstar Taylor Swift, it’s clear that Kelce’s charisma extends beyond the football field. As a two-time Super Bowl champion and eight-time Pro Bowler, he has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the NFL. But before the Swifties and the national media attention, Travis Kelce led quite the interesting life. Here are 10 things you might not know about the colorful journey of Travis Kelce.

While you’ve likely grown accustomed to seeing Kelce in his iconic number 87 jersey, not everyone knows that this choice pays homage to his older brother, Jason, born in 1987. Jason significantly influenced Travis’s career path, leading him to choose the University of Cincinnati, where his brother also played. Jason’s impact on Travis’s journey goes beyond the field.

Despite the common mispronunciation of his last name as “Kelsey,” Travis clarified that it is actually pronounced “Kel.” His father’s side of the family preferred this pronunciation, but due to simplicity, they went along with “Kelsey.” Even NFL broadcasters and teammates were guilty of mispronouncing it.

In a memorable incident during the 2023 playoffs, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval engaged in some trash talk with Kansas City. After the Chiefs defeated the Bengals, a fired-up Kelce responded to the mayor, echoing WWE legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson by shouting, “Know your R and shut your mouth.” Political stances and sports banter collided in this amusing exchange.

In 2016, amid the national anthem protest initiated by Colin Kaepernick, Kelce took a knee in solidarity. He became one of the highest-profile NFL players to do so, emphasizing the need to address issues of police brutality and racial inequality.

Kelce’s foray into the world of podcasts came to fruition with “New Heights,” co-hosted with his brother Jason. The podcast, born from a dinner conversation, reached impressive heights on Apple Podcasts, showcasing the brothers’ winning formula.

In 2016, Kelce starred in his own reality TV series, “Catching Kelsey,” where multiple women competed for his heart. Despite its single-season run, the show provided a glimpse into Kelce’s playful side and his willingness to explore different facets of entertainment.

In a historic matchup on February 12, 2023, Travis and Jason Kelce faced each other in the Super Bowl, with Travis emerging victorious as the Chiefs defeated the Eagles. The competitive spirit between the brothers was evident in the post-game exchange.

Kelce’s star power transcended sports when he hosted Saturday Night Live on March 4, 2023. Widely praised for his comedic abilities, Kelce’s appearance added another dimension to his growing celebrity status.

During his college football season in 2010, Kelce tested positive for marijuana during a random drug test. This led him to consider a switch to professional baseball, where he excelled in high school. However, with his brother Jason’s encouragement, he stuck with football, ultimately becoming one of the greatest tight ends in the NFL.

Beyond being a two-time Super Bowl winner and eight-time Pro Bowler, Kelce holds several NFL records. With seven consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards, he surpassed the most for any tight end in history. In 2020, he set the single-season record for most receiving yards by a tight end (1,416), and in 2022, he reached 10,000 career receiving yards. Kelce’s playoff prowess is only surpassed by the legendary Jerry Rice.

As Travis Kelce’s star continues to rise, his diverse and impactful journey promises more surprises, both on and off the field.