More than two years have passed since their separation, and the former girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce has made it evident that she has moved forward in multiple ways. From discussing the pressures of being romantically involved with a professional athlete to openly supporting Kelce's rival team, she is stepping into this new chapter of her life with confidence and independence.
Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole were once a highly regarded couple in the sports world. Their five-year relationship played out in the public eye, with Nicole frequently spotted cheering for the Chiefs' standout player at games and significant events. However, after their final breakup in May 2022, her life took a different turn. Since then, Nicole has openly shared the challenges of dating a well-known athlete, the sacrifices she made, and the online scrutiny she faced after Kelce moved on. Now, focused on reclaiming her own identity and chasing her aspirations, she is determined to rise above the headlines and define her journey on her own terms.
How Their Relationship Began—A Timeline of Events
Kelce and Nicole started dating in 2017, quickly becoming one of the most adored couples among NFL enthusiasts. Their romance appeared idyllic, as they frequently shared glimpses of their relationship on social media and attended high-profile events together, including the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory parade in February 2020.
Despite their seemingly perfect connection, the couple faced their share of challenges. They briefly parted ways in August 2020, just weeks after a vacation in Lake Tahoe with Patrick Mahomes and his then-fiancée, Brittany Matthews. Although neither Kelce nor Nicole publicly revealed the reason behind the split, Kelce firmly denied any allegations of unfaithfulness. By December 2020, they had reconciled, with Kelce confirming their rekindled romance in a Q&A session, calling Nicole his "girlfriend" and describing her as "the absolute best."
For a time, it seemed as though they had put their differences behind them, but in May 2022, their relationship came to a quiet and final end. Neither party disclosed specific reasons for their breakup, leaving fans to speculate about what led to their separation.
Nicole's Perspective on Dating an Elite Athlete
Following their split, Nicole candidly expressed the difficulties of being in a relationship with a professional athlete. In various interviews, she opened up about the personal compromises she made to support Kelce’s demanding career, sometimes at the expense of her own ambitions.
"Being in a relationship with an athlete is a choice, and it presents its own set of challenges for any woman," Nicole shared, explaining that such a lifestyle requires ongoing sacrifice. She admitted that she frequently had to set aside her own aspirations to accommodate Kelce's hectic schedule.
Looking back on those years, she offered guidance to women facing similar situations: "Ladies, always prioritize yourselves. Love your partner wholeheartedly—but never forget who you are and what your dreams are." While the public often viewed her relationship as glamorous, Nicole clarified that the reality was far more complicated behind closed doors.
"At the end of the day, he’s just another person, another man," she stated. She further emphasized that relationships, regardless of profession—whether with an athlete, a doctor, a lawyer, or someone working at FedEx—come with their own difficulties.
Enduring Public Scrutiny After the Breakup
Life post-breakup was far from easy for Nicole. Public fascination with her past relationship intensified, particularly after Kelce began dating Taylor Swift, thrusting Nicole into the center of relentless online criticism.
She openly discussed the toll it took on her mental well-being, describing the negativity as overwhelming. "I’d be lying if I said that level of hostility doesn’t affect me. Even today, it still does," she admitted. Social media quickly became a hostile space, with strangers dissecting her worth in comment sections.
"If you check my latest post, you’ll find people debating each other over why I am insignificant, why I lack talent, and why I don’t have a real career," she revealed.
Nicole acknowledged that the online negativity was less about her personally and more about the chaos surrounding Kelce's growing stardom. "There’s something about that level of fame that attracts intense scrutiny," she noted. "It’s unfortunate because I’ve never done anything to deserve that kind of backlash."
Determined to safeguard her peace, Nicole decided to maintain more privacy regarding her personal life. "I don’t see myself entering another public relationship anytime soon," she stated. "People can’t speculate on what they don’t know about."
"I would rather keep my relationships out of the spotlight moving forward. If things don’t work out, at least I won’t have to deal with public fallout," she added.
A Fresh Start—Embracing New Challenges
At 33, Nicole recently took on an entirely new challenge by joining the reality show "Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test," an intense competition designed to push participants through rigorous military-style training.
After enduring ten grueling days of extreme physical and mental challenges, she emerged as one of the two finalists to pass selection. "I did this on my own," she declared with pride. "I’m resilient, and I know that without a doubt now."
The experience was transformative for Nicole, who had spent much of her public life being recognized as "someone’s girlfriend." The challenge allowed her to confront personal obstacles and develop newfound confidence.
Describing the experience, she said, "It was emotionally exhausting but ultimately cathartic. I am incredibly proud of myself."
Winning the competition proved that she was far more than the public had perceived her to be. By shifting the focus onto her personal development, Nicole reshaped the narrative surrounding her.
She reflected on how her past achievements had often been overshadowed by her connection to Kelce, but this accomplishment was entirely her own. It was the push she needed to fully leave the past behind and concentrate on her own future.
Nicole Beyond Her Past Relationship
Although it was her romance with Kelce that initially brought her into the spotlight, Nicole has built a solid career in media and sports journalism. A graduate of Pepperdine University with a degree in broadcast journalism, she had always envisioned a future in the entertainment industry.
"Hosting is my passion," she once shared, reflecting on her love for media work. Over the years, she has worked as an on-air reporter and host for networks like ESPN and BET, covering major sports and entertainment events.
In addition to her broadcasting career, she has established herself as a social media influencer, known for her focus on fitness and wellness. Her Instagram is filled with workout routines and motivational content, offering followers insight into her health journey.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Nicole is a strong advocate for self-empowerment and personal growth. Since her split from Kelce, she has dedicated herself to inspiring other women to prioritize their own ambitions rather than letting relationships define them.
Moving Forward and Making a Statement
While Nicole has been dedicated to rebuilding her life post-breakup, a recent public moment caught attention.
During the 2025 Super Bowl, she was seen at the game—not as a neutral observer but actively supporting the Philadelphia Eagles, the team competing against Kelce’s Chiefs.
As she continues to move forward, Kayla Nicole's message is clear: she refuses to be defined by her past relationships or public perception. Instead, she is embracing her own path—and she’s doing it entirely on her own terms.
