The bond between Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce is one of the strongest in the modern NFL. They grew up together and have protected that connection through every stage of their lives. When they’re not playing for their teams or analyzing games on national broadcasts, they spend time recording their weekly podcast. That’s why any story about their family relationship captures fans’ attention.
For years, people have repeated an emotional story about the origin of Travis Kelce’s number 87. According to that version, the tight end chose the number to honor Jason, who was born in 1987, after a difficult moment in Travis’s college career.
A compelling story
According to a report from The Sports Rush, that tale says Travis tested positive for marijuana and was kicked off the team. At that moment, Jason welcomed him into his home and helped him reorganize his life. He even put his own reputation on the line to secure his brother a second chance. The story gained weight when Travis said on NFL Films: “You’re the only reason I wear 87.”
The narrative became part of the Kelce family’s mythology. However, everything changed this week. On their podcast New Heights, where Charissa Thompson joined as a guest, the topic resurfaced. Jason Kelce didn’t miss the chance to offer his version. He did it directly and with a sincerity that surprised everyone.
“Don’t let him tell you that. That’s the biggest nonsense. You didn’t pick that number for that reason. Somehow you added that retroactively. No way,” Jason said while laughing. He then added that Travis simply admired Tony Gonzalez, who wore number 88 for the Chiefs. The comment made Travis blush. Still, the tight end insisted his version was true. Jason didn’t buy it.
The contrast was both funny and revealing. It showed how the brothers maintain a relationship built on affection, humor, and healthy competition. It also opened a new conversation about how emotional sports narratives are created. While Travis defended his story, Jason shared his own experience with number 13, which he abandoned after a coach told him: “The player makes the number, not the other way around.” For Jason, number 62 is now part of his professional identity.
Both brothers have shaped an era in the NFL. One aims for the Hall of Fame in 2029. The other will do the same when he decides to retire. And even if each one has a different story behind his number, their legacy doesn’t depend on any jersey.
