Meet Kayla Nicole, Travis Kelce’s Ex-Girlfriend Before Taylor Swift

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If there’s one thing Kayla Nicole is gonna do, it’s shake it off.

Following Travis Kelce’s engagement announcement with Taylor Swift, speculation swirled among fans regarding the sports reporter’s reaction. When she posted a video of Tracee Ellis Ross discussing the importance of choosing joy over mere happiness, many spectators had plenty to ponder about her potential response.

Given that approximately 14 million followers interacted with the couple’s joint announcement on August 26 within an hour, it’s reasonable to assume there were those who would disapprove, regardless of what the NFL tight end’s ex-girlfriend posted on her social media. However, she always responded gracefully to the situation.

In her Aug. 26 post, Kayla mentioned that she had previously encountered this particular idea in a book titled “Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough.” She was clearly enthused and expressed, “I’ve been inspired! Absolutely fantastic!

At this stage, she fully understands that her social media behavior will come under close scrutiny, as she’s now 33 years old.

She explained on her journey towards winning season three of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test with Brody Jenner this year, “It’s consistently draining.” She added that regardless of the topic she discusses, people will inevitably respond with comments about an ex or their recent personal life changes.

As a dedicated follower, I must admit, finding focus becomes quite a challenge when my former teammate, a three-time Super Bowl champion, is now in a relationship with one of the globe’s most renowned pop stars who has just accepted his romantic gesture adorned with blooms. The glamour and excitement surrounding them can sometimes make it difficult to maintain focus on my own game.

She stated that the persistent criticism was impacting her so significantly that it made her doubt her self-worth as an individual. The most challenging aspect, she added, was the comparison to a 14-time Grammy winner. “I’m still struggling to find a way to handle it,” she admitted.

Not that the influencer sees Taylor as her opponent. Rather she’s very much enchanted with her. 

“I really, like, like her,” she admitted on Special Forces. “I think she’s very talented.” 

Even though the sport reporter, social media influencer, model, and podcast host is quite adept in her various roles, for those who may not be familiar with this versatile individual or the specifics of their partnership with Travis, let us delve into the details of each play.

What does Kayla Nicole do for work?

Just as her ex-boyfriend, the versatile individual has an impressive ability to grind. Obtaining a degree in broadcast journalism from California’s Pepperdine University in 2013, she expressed her passion for hosting in a 2018 Instagram video where she reported outside L.A.’s Staples Center wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey.

She frequently works in the sports field, contributing to Barstool Sports, ESPN, and other platforms by reporting on both the NBA and NFL. Additionally, she has demonstrated versatility by interviewing prominent celebrities such as Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, and Sterling K. Brown.

Currently recognized as a prominent personality, she has represented various brands such as Revolve, Crocs, Savage X Fenty, Alo, and her personal fitness line, acting as their brand ambassador.

In 2023, she shared with People that the revival of Tribe Therepe will emphasize the critical aspect of mental health in exercise, a topic she strongly values.

As a dedicated follower, I’d like to share that she has experienced a significant change in her life. Recently, she went through a tough breakup which left an impact on her emotional well-being. In response, she shed a considerable amount of weight rather swiftly, yet this rapid weight loss seems to have come at the expense of her overall health, as it appears she may have neglected other aspects during this period.

These days, though, she’s embracing the wins.

As a passionate advocate for wellness, I’ve often grappled with feelings of inadequacy, holding back from fully embracing the fitness world for many years. In a heartfelt post from December 2024, I confessed these sentiments, admitting that I believed I needed to reach an idealized version of myself before stepping into this space – losing weight, achieving toned abs, and eradicating cellulite. Looking back, I now realize how counterproductive this mindset was for me, as it delayed my journey towards self-acceptance and growth.

The truth is, we are all human beings with areas for improvement. However, if you find yourself waiting to be perfect, remember that perfection may never arrive. Instead, let’s focus on embracing our imperfections, learning from them, and growing together as we strive to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

How long did Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole date?

For five years, the duo stayed close despite occasional breaks. In 2020, there was a brief pause as Ohio native Travis refuted allegations about his commitment to the team and loyalty towards his colleagues.

This story is false… it’s a fabrication… our breakup wasn’t due to this… I kindly ask you to direct your negativity elsewhere.

By November, the pair had resumed their activities. During a live Instagram session with WNBA basketball star Chiney Ogwumike, Travis affectionately referred to Kayla as his girlfriend and expressed admiration for her, labeling her as “simply outstanding.

Why did Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole break up?

Following some initial missteps, the duo decided to call it quits permanently by May 2022, leaving Travis in a position where he had to clarify his actions once more.

During his interview on The Pivot Podcast in January 2023, he clarified that he never claimed to have supported her. Given her already prosperous financial situation and successful career, it was not necessary for him to provide any form of financial assistance.

But he wasn’t stingy with the assists. 

For the past five years, we had been together, and small sums of money like hundreds here and there weren’t a concern for us.

Kayla also threw down a flag on the rumor. 

In an episode of Angel Reese’s “Unapologetically Angel” podcast, dated October 2024, I, a fervent fan, found myself asking, “Am I the type to divide anything equally? Or do I look like someone who would go 50/50 on bills?

Is Kayla Nicole single?

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that as: In my world, balancing my own podcast, “The Pre-Game,” which debuted with Dear Media in April 2025, along with other exciting ventures like my triumph on “Special Forces,” I’m constantly seeking the perfect partner to join me on this incredible journey.

In response to a fan’s question about her personal life on her podcast, Kayla stated that she currently finds herself in a position similar to John Cena, who is well-known for being unmarried. She emphasized that she doesn’t have a romantic partner at present and there are no plans for anyone to see her with one until she gets married and has children.

That’s her game plan, and she’s sticking to it. 

Kayla emphatically stated, “I’m actively dating while keeping my affairs discreet.” She proudly declared herself as the ruler of a secluded sanctuary tucked away in a hidden nook, and she has no qualms about this secretive lifestyle.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share that my former partner is keen on broadcasting to the world our bond, which he refers to as ours exclusively. For the past three summers, our connection has grown stronger, and I’ve been privileged to capture and preserve these precious moments.

In July of 2023, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s romantic journey commenced. This was when Taylor Swift’s global tour, known as the Eras Tour, visited Arrowhead Stadium, located in Kansas City, Missouri.

Enthusiastic about Taylor Swift, the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs attended the concert, hoping to present her with a friendship bracelet bearing his number. Unfortunately, his attempt to throw the bracelet was thwarted by her pre-concert routines.

On his New Heights podcast episode from July 26th, Travis expressed his disappointment that she doesn’t interact much before or after her performances because she needs to conserve her voice for the 44 songs she sings. As a result, he was slightly upset because he couldn’t present one of the bracelets he made for her.

Following his admitted blunder, which Travis himself labeled as “totally unforgivable,” he mustered up the courage to extend an invitation to the Grammy winner, asking him to witness the Chiefs’ game at Arrowhead Stadium.

He mentioned on The Pat McAfee Show that he had given her an opportunity by saying, “I’ve tossed it over; you try batting it back in my court with your stage performance at Arrowhead. You impress me, go ahead and watch me do the same. Let’s see who shines brighter in the coming days.

During their initial meeting, Travis already sported a mustache that he had grown since August, as seen during his training camp.

In his subsequent remarks about that period, he remarked, “For a while, that mustache and the number 87 were quite legendary, and I was sporting them when I first encountered Taylor.

According to a reliable source familiar with the matter, by early September, Travis and Taylor were occasionally exchanging texts and conversations.

“It’s been very low-key,” the insider explained, “as he’s been in season.”

Acceding to Travis’ invitation, Taylor attended the match at Arrowhead Stadium alongside Donna Kelce, the athlete’s mother, to witness Travis and the Chiefs face off against the Chicago Bears. Following the game, photos emerged of Taylor and Travis displaying public affection at a nearby bar.

It initially seemed as though their encounter was their first face-to-face interaction, according to folklore, but later on, the singer of “Karma” made it clear that they had actually spent a substantial period of time communicating and getting acquainted prior to that meeting.

As Taylor noted, “We would never be psychotic enough to hard launch a first date.” 

To suggest that things were becoming more serious, Taylor took her group – comprising friends such as Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Sophie Turner, Hugh Jackman, Sabrina Carpenter, and Antoni Porowski – to witness the Chiefs versus the New York Jets game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

It’s also worth noting that Taylor appears to be developing a friendship with Brittany Mahomes, who is married to Travis’ close friend and teammate, Patrick Mahomes, both on and off the NFL field.

On October 14th, the loving pair decided to share their relationship with the world by unexpectedly showing up on an episode of Saturday Night Live. Moreover, their New York City adventure was not limited to just the TV appearance; it extended to attending the NBC sketch show’s after-party and enjoying a romantic evening at the Waverly Inn.

During a break in his schedule, Travis made a trip to Argentina during the South American leg of Taylor’s Eras Tour, which happened to be a bye week for him. Not only did the NFL player get to meet Taylor’s father, Scott Swift, at the concert in Buenos Aires on November 11th, but he was also publicly acknowledged on stage with a special shoutout.

“Karma is that guy on the Chiefs,” Taylor sang, “coming straight home to me.”

Following the performance, the artist associated with Midnights could be spotted rushing towards Travis backstage and enthusiastically embracing him with a heartfelt kiss.

Taylor addressed the lavender craze surrounding her appearances at Travis’ games.

She informed Time, “I’m looking forward to watching him pursue his passion, we’re there for each other, and others are present as well – it doesn’t bother us. It’s the polar opposite when you have to put in a lot of work to keep your relationship hidden from others.

 

On December 17th, the music megastar made Travis’ game a bonding event for families, inviting her father to root for him.

Taylor and Travis celebrated their first New Year’s Eve together. At the stroke of midnight on January 1st, they exchanged a loving kiss.

Taylor enjoyed spending more time with Travis’ relatives, specifically his brother Jason Kelce and his sister-in-law Kylie Kelce, during the Kansas City Chiefs’ matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

On the football field where the Chiefs clinched their triumph in the AFC Championship, Taylor linked up with Travis. This win, marking their ticket to the 2024 Super Bowl, was celebrated with a heartfelt kiss and the exchange of ‘I love you’.

“Tay, I’m gonna enjoy with the guys,” he told her. “I love you—so much it’s not funny.”

 
 

In the electrifying atmosphere of Las Vegas, February 11, 2024, I found myself basking in the triumphant glow of a historic moment as the Kansas City Chiefs clinched their victory. As the team’s leader, Travis, and his counterpart shared an exhilarating kiss right on the field – a heartfelt celebration of our hard-earned triumph.

On February 12, Taylor shared playful clips of Travis partying with her parents on social media, mocking their post-Super Bowl clubbing adventure together.

Taylor’s initial Instagram post, shared with Travis, was a selfie taken backstage during her Eras tour performance at Wembley Stadium in London, which included Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

At the seventh Eras tour concert he attended, specifically held in London’s Wembley Stadium and being his second time there, the NFL player made an appearance on stage alongside his partner, supporting her act while she sang “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”.

Taylor attended the initial game of the 2024-25 regular season with Travis, and it seems they recreated a public display of affection (PDA) similar to one seen in October 2023. This snapshot was shared by Chariah Gordon, who can be seen with her partner, Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman.

The duo were present at the wedding of model Karen Elson, who got married to Lee Foster, the proprietor of Electric Lady Studios, in New York City.

The next day, the pair attended the men’s singles final match at the U.S. Open.

The two stepped out for a double dinner date with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds in NYC.

Over the New Year’s weekend in 2024, the couple had not one but two consecutive dates in New York City, with identical outfits on each occasion.

During the NFL’s off-season break, the duo took a snowy getaway to Montana, spending time with popular sportscaster Erin Andrews.

In July 2025, Travis shared the first photos of him and Taylor on Instagram, among which was a sweet snapshot from dinner, subtly hinting at their screensavers featuring each other’s faces on their mobile phones.

On August 13, Taylor, who identifies as an ardent fan of New Heights, graced Travis and Jason’s podcast for a nearly two-hour special episode. During the conversation, she openly shared aspects of her life, both in the public eye and behind the scenes. Moreover, Taylor announced that her 12th studio album titled “The Life of a Showgirl” is scheduled to release on October 3.

Approximately two years and three months following Travis’ renowned podcast mention, Travis and Taylor made an announcement that they are now engaged. In a playful nod to her song titled “So High School,” they humorously captioned their August 26 Instagram post featuring their engagement photos as, “Your favorite high school teachers are tying the knot.

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2025-08-29 18:20