Kayla Nicole Wants Her Identity Out From Under Travis Kelce's Shadow

Kayla Nicole is trying to reclaim her identity from the ghosts of her defunct romance with Travis Kelce!

The sports reporter is telling the media and whoever cares to listen that she has put whatever is left of her failed relationship with the NFL star behind her, and they should, too.

Kayla Nicole and Travis Kelce were involved in an on-and-off romance that ended three years ago. Since the breakup, Kelce has found love in the arms of superstar Taylor Swift.

Nicole recently expressed her displeasure with being labeled as someone's ex, particularly following her breakup with her high-profile partner, Kelce. 

During a "Second Wind Podcast" appearance with Marion Jones, she discussed how disheartening it is for her passionate interviews to be overshadowed by headlines focused on her past relationship.

She emphasized her desire for the media to move beyond that narrative, saying, "One day, they're going to have to stop calling me someone's ex." 

Nicole acknowledged that while she understands there may be little she can do to change this perception, she hopes her journey can inspire and uplift others who may be feeling similarly overlooked. 

Ultimately, she concluded that her goal is to be authentic and support those who resonate with her experience, regardless of how the media portrays her.

The romance between the sports journalist and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end began publicly in 2017, shortly after Kelce ended his previous relationship with model Maya Benberry. 

The Blast noted that their relationship drew significant attention when Nicole made her romantic intentions known to Kelce through a direct message on Instagram. They soon paired up and attended their first public outing as a couple at Jeremy Maclin's wedding. 

As they navigated the following year, the couple frequently appeared together, participating in events like the ESPY Awards and the Kids' Choice Sports Awards.

However, their relationship faced significant difficulties, including a brief split in 2020 fueled by rumors of infidelity, which Kelce denied. Although they reconciled, the pair ultimately ended their five-year, on-again, off-again relationship in May 2022.

Nicole also shared her insights about how dating the athlete influenced her identity and career following her victory on "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test." She emphasized that this achievement felt especially significant as it was a product of her own determination and hard work. 

In her reflection on her relationship with Kelce, Nicole addressed the phenomenon where women's accomplishments are often overshadowed by their relationships. According to her, this unhealthy pattern is prevalent in the entertainment industry.

She further expressed her discomfort with the term "W.A.G." (Wives and Girlfriends), pointing out that it diminishes individuality. She compared it to how "doctors' wives" don't label themselves as "D.A.G.s."

Nicole discussed the inherent challenges of a relationship with a professional athlete, citing the demanding schedules and frequent travel that can complicate personal aspirations.

She noted that this dynamic can lead to women prioritizing their partner's goals over their own, influencing her perspective and balance in pursuing her dreams.

In October 2024, the sports commentator appeared on the podcast "Unapologetically Angel," hosted by WNBA star Angel Reese.

During the episode, she candidly discussed the persistent negativity and online hate she has faced. Nicole revealed that this widespread hostility affects her deeply, even months later. 

She pointed out that her social media posts often become battlegrounds for critics debating her worth and talent. Later that same month, Nicole reflected on the backlash she received after her podcast appearance during an episode of "I Am Athlete."

Emotionally addressing the situation, she expressed that she believed she had responded with grace to the questions posed to her. Yet, she acknowledged that the public's interpretations of her words only exacerbated the criticism she faced.

The Blast shared that the fitness enthusiast made headlines after attending a game at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. She passionately cheered for the Philadelphia Eagles as they triumphed over her ex-boyfriend's team, scoring 40-22.

She documented her game-day experience on Instagram Stories, showcasing her excitement surrounded by fellow Eagles fans. Jokingly embracing her new support for the team, she captioned one post, "Where's the bandwagon emoji?"

She added a picture of her celebrating on the field and shared a video of herself blowing green and white confetti into the air, playfully stating, "They said there's room on the wagon y'all."

However, her enthusiastic reaction sparked a wave of criticism online, with some followers suggesting that Kelce should consider a restraining order due to her behavior.

Comments ranged from mocking her for seemingly clinging to her past relationship to urging her to move on, with sentiments that her entire identity was tied to being Kelce's ex. Many expressed relief that he had avoided a serious commitment, calling her actions embarrassing and pathetic.

Will the public listen to Kayla Nicole's request?