If you’ve been on the internet lately (or, you know, have ears) then you’ve probably heard of Travis Kelce who is the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and has recently been linked to global pop icon Taylor Swift. But before the Swiftie rumors, there was another leading lady in his life who held the spotlight for quite some time: Kayla Nicole.
Let’s know who is Travis Kelce Ex Girlfriend, what, when, where, and most importantly why of this relationship that had us all saying, “Wait, what happened there?”
Kayla Nicole: The Woman Who Stole Travis’s Heart
Before Travis was attending award shows and NFL games with the biggest pop star on the planet, he was in a high-profile relationship with Kayla Nicole, a sports reporter, social media influencer, and fitness enthusiast.
Kayla, who graduated from Pepperdine University in 2013 with a degree in broadcast journalism, has always been a go-getter. She started as a sideline reporter for the NBA and NFL, later branching out into the influencer world with brand collaborations like Revolve, Fabletics, and Savage X Fenty. She’s the definition of a Gen Z-approved multi-hyphenate: reporter-content creator-brand ambassador-fitness mogul. Talk about a résumé!
How It Started: Love in the Spotlight
Travis and Kayla’s romance kicked off in 2017, just one year after Kelce wrapped up his somewhat cringe-but-memorable reality TV dating show, “Catching Kelce” (yes, this actually happened). The couple made their red carpet debut in July 2018 at the ESPY Awards, looking every bit like the NFL’s next power couple.
Their relationship lasted a solid five years, but it wasn’t without its ups and downs. By the time they called it quits in 2022, fans had more questions than answers. Kelce addressed the split in January 2023 on The Pivot podcast, saying he was “in the free market right now” and “just enjoying life.” Sounds like every Gen Z situation ever, doesn’t it?
The Money Rumor That Broke the Internet
Let’s address the tea that had everyone clutching their pearls. After the breakup, rumors swirled that the couple split because Travis Kelce wasn’t spending enough money on Kayla. Supposedly, he made her “split bills 50/50.” Yes, the man who signed a $57 million contract was allegedly too frugal. However, Travis quickly shut this down, calling the claims “absolute nonsense.”
In his words: “I would never say I was supporting her. She had a very financially stable life.” Kelce admitted they’d sometimes split expenses, but made it clear this wasn’t a point of contention. Translation: The internet stays messy.
Read More: Travis Kelce Net Worth
Kayla’s Take on the Break-Up
Kayla, being the class act she is, never directly calls out Travis or spills the intimate details of their split. However, she’s hinted at the challenges of being in the public eye while dating a high-profile athlete. On the Relations— Podcast in October 2022, she shared how dating interracially brought criticism, especially from people within her own community. The internet’s habit of turning private relationships into public battlegrounds? Not exactly a vibe.
Life After Travis
Post-breakup, Kayla made it clear she’s moving on, not just from Travis but from athletes altogether. In early 2023, she joked on the Behind the Likes Podcast: “I’ll never say never, but I wholeheartedly believe I’m out of the athlete stage.” She’s now interested in dating “executives of record labels” or “movie producers” because, in her words, “Let date night be courtside at a Lakers game—that’s my kind of guy.”
Kayla’s also been busy building her fitness brand, Tribe Therepē, which focuses on blending physical exercise with mental health. She continues to inspire her audience by tackling topics like body positivity and self-love. Basically, she’s thriving.
Meanwhile, Travis Kelce Became That Guy
After the split, Travis became the poster child for “focus on your grind” energy. He’s been crushing it on the field with the Chiefs, earning Super Bowl rings and MVP titles. But it wasn’t long before his love life became the stuff of headlines again, thanks to a certain someone named Taylor Swift.
In September 2023, Swift attended a Chiefs game, and the internet collectively lost its mind. This wasn’t just a casual fling; it was the ultimate crossover event. For those keeping track: Taylor brings the pop-culture buzz, and Travis brings the sports energy. Together? They’re the internet’s obsession.
Kayla’s Perspective on the Swift Craze
Although Kayla hasn’t directly addressed Travis’s relationship with Taylor, she’s spoken candidly about the impact of online hate. In October 2023, she shared an open letter on Instagram discussing the constant harassment she faces. From racial comments to comparisons with Swift, Kayla has dealt with her fair share of negativity. Yet, she’s handled it with grace, reminding her followers that she’s focused on personal growth.
Are They Still Friends?
For those shipping a post-breakup friendship, things are… complicated. Kayla admitted that her relationships with other NFL WAGs (wives and girlfriends) changed after the split. While she still keeps in touch with a few, she has to set boundaries. Case in point: In September 2023, Kayla unfollowed Brittany and Patrick Mahomes on Instagram. Public drama? Not exactly, but it’s clear she’s putting herself first.
The Final Curtain Call
So, why did Travis and Kayla break up? The real answer? Relationships are hard, and even the glitzy, glamorous ones face their challenges. Whether it was scheduling conflicts, public scrutiny, or simply growing apart, the couple decided to part ways. But both have moved on: Travis with Taylor Swift, and Kayla with her thriving career and renewed focus on self-love.
In the end, it’s safe to say both of them are winning in their own right. And isn’t that what we’re all rooting for?
FAQs: Travis Kelce Ex Girlfriend
- Who is Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend?
Kayla Nicole, a sports reporter turned influencer. - How long were they together?
Five years, from 2017 to 2022. - Why did they break up?
No official reason, but it’s clear they outgrew the relationship. - Is Kayla Nicole dating anyone now?
She’s likely moved on from athletes, hinting at interest in other industries. - Did the money rumors cause their breakup?
Travis denied those rumors, calling them “nonsense.” - Has Kayla commented on Travis and Taylor Swift?
Not directly, but she’s spoken about the harassment she’s faced online.
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