Long before the era of friendship bracelets and Eras Tour suites, there was a different fixture on the Kansas City Chiefs sidelines. You probably remember her. Kayla Nicole, the poised, camera-ready journalist who spent the better part of five years as the most visible woman in Travis Kelce’s life. Then, the world shifted. Now that Kelce is famously engaged to one of the biggest pop stars on the planet, the spotlight on his past has become surprisingly—and sometimes unfairly—intense.
But here’s the thing. Kayla Nicole isn't just a "former WAG" or a footnote in a future Hall of Famer's biography.
She’s a Pepperdine graduate with a degree in broadcast journalism. She’s an entrepreneur. She’s also someone who has had to navigate an almost unprecedented level of public scrutiny while trying to build a life that doesn't revolve around her ex-boyfriend. Honestly, the way she’s handled the transition into 2026 is a masterclass in modern personal branding.
The Reality of the Five-Year Run
Most people think they know the story. They think it was all glitz, glamour, and red carpets. The truth? It was complicated.
Travis and Kayla started dating back in 2017. They met the way everyone meets now: Instagram. Travis was doing the "double-tap" dance for months before Kayla finally sent the first DM on New Year’s. For five years, they were the "it" couple of the NFL. But it wasn't a straight line to the finish. They broke up in 2020. They got back together. Then they finally called it quits for good in May 2022.
Rumors flew everywhere. People claimed Travis was "cheap" or that they split over 50/50 bills. Both of them have since called that total nonsense. Kelce even went on The Pivot podcast to shut it down, noting that Kayla was financially stable on her own. It’s funny how people love to invent a financial struggle when a relationship ends, isn't it?
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Life After the Final Whistle
When you break up with someone as famous as Travis Kelce, you don't just lose a partner. You lose a social circle. Kayla was incredibly close with Brittany Mahomes. They were practically inseparable for years. After the split—and specifically after Travis moved on so publicly—Kayla eventually unfollowed Brittany and Patrick on Instagram.
She wasn't being petty. She was being human.
"I have to protect myself," she told People. She explained that there’s still love there, but watching your old life play out on a Jumbotron every Sunday is a lot for anyone's mental health. Imagine having your heartbreak turned into a national pastime.
Beyond the "Travis Kelce’s Ex" Label
If you only know her from the sidelines, you’re missing the actual work she’s putting in. By early 2026, Kayla has diversified in a way that most influencers only dream of.
- The Media Mogul Move: She launched her podcast, The Pre-Game, in 2025. It’s not just a gossip show. She talks to everyone from sex therapists to fellow entrepreneurs.
- Wellness Evolution: Her brand, Tribe Therepē, moved away from the "Strong is Sexy" aesthetic to focus on the link between physical fitness and mental health.
- Fashion & Modeling: She’s still a heavy hitter for brands like Savage X Fenty and Revolve.
She recently made headlines for being incredibly transparent about the "financial strain" of fertility preservation. While many celebrities act like freezing your eggs is as simple as buying a latte, Kayla kept it real on the Pour Minds podcast. She pointed out that it’s an ongoing financial commitment that doesn't always fit into a budget when you have rent and insurance to pay.
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The Trolling and the "Swiftie" Factor
We have to address the elephant in the room. Being the woman who came before Taylor Swift is a strange, often hostile position to be in.
Kayla has been vocal about the "online chaos" that has followed her since 2023. On Angel Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel, she admitted that the level of hate still impacts her. People go to her comments just to tell her she's "worthless" or "has no career." It’s a wild take for someone with a journalism degree and a multi-million dollar net worth, but that’s the internet for you.
Why She’s Done with the NFL
If you’re waiting for her to date another tight end, don't hold your breath.
Kayla has joked lately about being "retired" from dating players. She told Harry Jowsey on his podcast that she’s looking for the men who sign the checks now—the owners and the executives. It’s a "leveling up" mindset that feels very 2026. She also told her podcast listeners that she doesn't plan on publicly dating anyone again until there’s a ring involved.
What We Can Learn from Her Rebrand
Kayla Nicole’s story is basically a blueprint for surviving a public breakup.
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First, she leaned into therapy. She’s credited her mental health journey for helping her navigate the "dizzying" experience of being a public figure. Second, she refused to be a victim. Instead of leaning into the drama, she pivoted to business.
She’s entering what she calls her "Season of Yes." It’s about saying yes to new projects, new hair (she’s rocking a short, chic cut for 2026), and a new identity that doesn't require a jersey number to be valid.
What to do next if you're following her journey:
- Check out her podcast: The Pre-Game offers a much better look at her personality than any headline.
- Support the brand: If you’re into fitness that doesn't ignore your brain, Tribe Therepē is actually worth a look.
- Observe the pivot: Watch how she handles her 2026 fashion collaborations; it’s a masterclass in moving from "WAG" to "Brand."
Kayla Nicole is proof that there is a very successful, very loud life after the "ex" label. She’s not waiting for a comeback; she’s already in the middle of her own.