Over two years since their breakup, the ex-girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, has made it clear that shes moved on — in more ways than one. From speaking out about the pressures of dating a pro athlete to openly cheering for Kelces rival team, she is embracing her new chapter with confidence and independence.
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Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole were once a power couple in the sports world. For five years, their relationship played out in the public eye, with Nicole often seen supporting the Kansas City Chiefs star at games and major events. But after their final split in May 2022, her life took a different direction.
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Since then, Nicole has spoken candidly about the difficulties of dating a high-profile athlete, the sacrifices she made, and the online backlash she endured after Kelce moved on. Now focused on reclaiming her identity and pursuing her goals, she is determined to rise above the headlines and define her life on her terms.
Travis Kelce with his current girlfriend Taylor Swift arrives at SNL afterparty on October 15, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
How It All Started — A Look at Their Relationship Timeline
Kelce and Nicole began dating in 2017, quickly becoming a beloved couple among NFL fans. Their relationship seemed picture-perfect as they often shared glimpses on social media and attended high-profile events, including the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade in February 2020.
However, the romance wasnt without its ups and downs. The couple briefly split in August 2020, just weeks after a vacation in Lake Tahoe with Patrick Mahomes and his then-fiancée, Brittany Matthews.
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Patrick Mahomes, Brittany Matthews, Kayla Nicole and Travis Kelce attend the NHL All-Star Skills as part of the NHL All-Star Weekend on February 4, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
Although neither Kelce nor Nicole disclosed the reason for the breakup, Kelce publicly denied rumors of infidelity. By December 2020, the pair had reconciled, with Kelce confirming their status during a Q&A session, calling Nicole his “girlfriend” and describing her as “the absolute best.”
For a while, things seemed back on track, but the relationship took another hit in May 2022 when they quietly ended things for good. Neither Kelce nor Nicole shared specific details about the split, leaving fans to speculate on what caused the breakup.
Kayla Nicole and Travis Kelce attend the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Sports on July 19, 2018, in Santa Monica, Californi | Source: Getty Images
AdvertisementNicoles Reflections on Dating a Pro Athlete
Following the breakup, Nicole opened up about the challenges of being in a relationship with a professional athlete. In various interviews, she spoke candidly about the personal sacrifices she made to support Kelces demanding career, sometimes at the expense of her own goals.
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“Dating an athlete is a choice and can be a challenge for any woman,” Nicole said, explaining how the lifestyle requires constant compromise. Nicole revealed that she often put her own ambitions on hold to accommodate Kelces hectic schedule.
Reflecting on those years, she offered advice to women in similar situations, “Girl, put you first. Love your man down — but also remember who you are and what your goals are, too.” The high-profile nature of their relationship made things even harder.
Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole pictured at the 11th Annual NFL Honors on February 10, 2022, in Inglewood, California | Source: Getty Images
While the public viewed their life as glamorous, Nicole said it was far more complex behind the scenes. “Its just another human and another man,” she explained. She added that dating men in general is a challenge, whether “hes an athlete, a doctor, a lawyer, or works at FedEx.”
AdvertisementFacing Online Scrutiny After the SplitAdvertisement
Life after her breakup with Kelce wasnt easy for Nicole. The publics fascination with their relationship only grew after Kelce started dating Taylor Swift, and Nicole found herself at the center of intense online criticism.
She spoke openly about how the backlash impacted her mental health, describing the experience as overwhelming. “I would be lying if I said that level of hate doesn’t impact me. It does even to this day,” Nicole admitted.
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Social media quickly became a battleground, with strangers debating her worth on her posts. “You could go to my most recent post and it will be people debating each other why I am worthless and Ill never be a talented person and I have no career and Im a bum,” she shared.
Nicole made it clear that the negativity had little to do with her personally and was more a reflection of the frenzy surrounding Kelces rising fame. “Theres something about that level of fame that attracts crazy people,” she said. “It’s unfortunate because Ive never done anything to warrant that kind of backlash.”
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Determined to protect her peace, Nicole revealed that shes now more private when it comes to her personal life. “I dont see myself [getting into a public relationship again] anytime soon,” she said. “People cant pick at what they dont know about.”
“I would just protect my relationships from here on out. I just dont want to deal with it ever again. And then too like if we break up I dont have to deal with what that looks like,” she added.
AdvertisementThe Turning Point — A Fresh Start
Nicole, 33, recently took on a new challenge by joining the reality series “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test,” a grueling competition that pushes participants through intense military-style training.
After enduring ten grueling days of extreme physical challenges in harsh conditions, Nicole emerged as one of the two finalists to pass selection. “I did this entirely on my own,” she stated proudly. “Im tough, and I know that for a fact now.”
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The experience was a breakthrough moment for Nicole, who had spent much of her public life being known as “someones girlfriend.” The experience was transformative, allowing Nicole to confront personal challenges while building new confidence.
She described it as emotionally draining but ultimately rewarding. “It is a really draining, yet cathartic experience,” she explained. “Im really, really proud of myself for sure.”
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Winning the competition proved she was capable of far more than the public perceived. By focusing on her personal growth, Nicole began to shift the narrative surrounding her.
She openly reflected on how her success had often been overshadowed by her connection to Kelce, but this victory was entirely her own. It was the push she needed to fully move forward from the past and focus on her own goals.
AdvertisementNicole Beyond Her Relationship with Kelce
Though its her relationship with Kelce that put her in the spotlight, Nicole has built a career in media and sports broadcasting. A graduate of Pepperdine University with a degree in broadcast journalism, Nicole always had her sights set on the entertainment industry.
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“Hosting is where my heart is,” she once said, reflecting on her passion for media work. Nicole has worked as an on-air reporter and host for networks like ESPN and BET, covering major sports and entertainment events.
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In addition to her broadcasting career, shes a social media influencer with a strong following, known for promoting fitness and healthy living. Her Instagram feed often features workout routines and motivational content, giving fans a glimpse into her fitness journey.
Beyond her professional life, Nicole is an advocate for self-love and personal growth. Since her breakup, she has focused on empowering other women to prioritize their own goals and not let relationships overshadow their individuality.
AdvertisementMoving On and Showing Her Allegiances
While Nicole has focused on rebuilding her life since her breakup with Kelce, one public moment recently grabbed attention.
During the 2025 Super Bowl, Nicole was spotted at the game — not as a neutral spectator but enthusiastically cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles, who were facing Kelces Kansas City Chiefs.
As she continues to move forward, Kayla Nicoles message is clear: She’s not defined by her past relationships or public perception. Instead, she’s embracing her own path — and shes doing it her way.
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