What Is Known About Travis Kelce's Split from His Ex Who No Longer Supports His Team

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 has embraced her new chapter with confidence and independence.

Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole were once a power couple in the sports world. Their relationship played out in the public eye for five years, with Nicole often supporting the Kansas City Chiefs star at games and major events. But after their final split in May 2022, her life turned.

Since then, Nicole has spoken candidly about the difficulties of dating a high-profile athlete, the sacrifices, 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, 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."

Things seemed back on track for a while, 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.

Nicole's 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 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," she 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 advised 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 is challenging, whether "he's an athlete, a doctor, a lawyer, or works at FedEx."

Facing Online Scrutiny After the Split

Life after her breakup with Kelce wasn't easy for Nicole. The public's fascination with their relationship grew after Kelce started dating Taylor Swift, and Nicole became 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.

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 I'll never be a talented person and I have no career and I'm a bum," she shared.

Nicole clarified that the negativity had little to do with her and was more a reflection of the frenzy surrounding Kelce's rising fame. "There's something about that level of fame that attracts crazy people," she said. "It's unfortunate because I've never done anything to warrant that kind of backlash."

Determined to protect her peace, Nicole revealed that she's now more private when it comes to her personal life. "I don't see myself [getting into a public relationship again] anytime soon," she said. "People can't pick at what they don't know about."

"I would just protect my relationships from here on out. I just don't want to deal with it ever again. And then too like if we break up I don't have to deal with what that looks like," she added.

The 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. "I'm tough, and I know that for a fact now."

The experience was a breakthrough for Nicole, who had spent much of her public life being known as "someone's girlfriend." It was transformative, allowing Nicole to confront personal challenges while building new confidence.

"It is a really draining, yet cathartic experience," she explained. "I'm really, really proud of myself for sure."

Winning the competition proved she was capable of far more than the public perceived. By focusing on her personal growth, Nicole shifted the narrative surrounding her.

She reflected on how her connection to Kelce often overshadowed her success, 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.

Nicole Beyond Her Relationship with Kelce

"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.

In addition to her broadcasting career, she's 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 advocates for self-love and personal growth. Since her breakup, she has focused on empowering other women to prioritize their goals and not let relationships overshadow their individuality.

Moving On and Showing Her Allegiances

While Nicole has focused on rebuilding her life since her breakup with Kelce, one moment recently grabbed the public's 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 Kelce's Kansas City Chiefs.

Kayla Nicole's message is clear as she continues to move forward. Her past relationships or public perception does not define her. Instead, she's embracing her path and doing it her way.