Over two years since their breakup, the ex-girlfriend of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, has made it clear that she’s moved on — in more ways than one. From speaking out about the pressures of dating a pro athlete to openly cheering for Kelce’s rival team, she is embracing her new chapter with confidence and independence.
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.
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.
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 wasn’t 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.
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.
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 Kelce’s demanding career, sometimes at the expense of her own goals.
“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 Kelce’s 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.
While the public viewed their life as glamorous, Nicole said it was far more complex behind the scenes. “It’s just another human and another man,” she explained. She added that dating men in general is a challenge, whether “he’s an athlete, a doctor, a lawyer, or works at FedEx.”