Long before the global frenzy surrounding his relationship with Taylor Swift, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce lived much of his romantic life in the public eye. From early reality television experiments to a high-profile, five-year romance, Kelce's dating history shaped his public persona long before he started playing football in front of stadiums filled with pop music fans. Understanding his past relationships provides a clearer picture of how his approach to romance, media attention, and public scrutiny evolved over the years.
The timeline of Travis Kelce's exes features two major public relationships prior to his current chapter: reality television winner Maya Benberry and sports journalist Kayla Nicole. Each relationship offered different lessons in public exposure, setting the stage for how he handles high-profile partnerships today.
Maya Benberry and Catching Kelce (2016)
In 2016, Travis Kelce stepped into the reality television spotlight by starring in the E! dating series Catching Kelce. Modeled after traditional competition-style dating shows, the program featured fifty women representing each of the fifty states, all competing for the NFL star's affection.
At the end of the process, Maya Benberry emerged as the winner. The two dated briefly after the cameras stopped rolling, remaining together for roughly a couple of months. While the relationship was short-lived, it marked Kelce's first introduction to managing a serious romance under media microscopes.
Years later, public interest in this short chapter resurfaced when Benberry spoke out about the dynamic of their brief time together. Though their romance ended quickly in 2016, the relationship remains a foundational starting point for tracking Kelce's public dating history.
Kayla Nicole: The Five-Year Relationship (2017–2022)
Kelce's longest and most significant relationship prior to Taylor Swift was with sports broadcaster and influencer Kayla Nicole. The pair connected on Instagram in 2017 after months of digital flirting, eventually making their red-carpet debut at the 2018 ESPY Awards.
Throughout their five years together, Nicole became a staple at Chiefs games, and the couple shared numerous moments of their life on social media. However, the romance was marked by an on-and-off dynamic. They experienced brief separations, including a split in 2020 that Kelce publicly addressed to shut down rumors of infidelity.
The relationship ultimately came to a permanent end in May 2022. Following the split, various internet rumors circulated regarding financial arrangements and the reasons behind the breakup. Kelce addressed these claims directly on The Pivot Podcast, dismissing false narratives about splitting everyday expenses and defending Nicole's financial independence. Nicole also navigated heavy online scrutiny following the separation, speaking openly about the challenges of transitioning out of a multi-year public relationship.
The Evolution of Kelce's Public Image
Transitioning from a reality television bachelor to a steady multi-year partner changed how Kelce approached media attention. During his time with Kayla Nicole, public appearances became regular occurrences, teaching him how to balance an intense NFL career with a high-visibility personal life.
When comparing these past chapters to his current relationship, a clear shift emerges. Kelce went from participating in manufactured television romances to navigating organic public interest, ultimately preparing him for the unprecedented media storm that accompanied his romance with Taylor Swift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Travis Kelce ever get married before Taylor Swift?
No. Despite occasional internet rumors or confusions regarding past long-term relationships, Travis Kelce was never married prior to his relationship with Taylor Swift.
How long did Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole date?
Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole were in an on-and-off relationship for approximately five years, spanning from 2017 until their final split in May 2022.
Who won Catching Kelce?
Maya Benberry won the 2016 E! reality dating competition Catching Kelce, resulting in a brief relationship with the NFL star that lasted for a few months after the show concluded.
Why did Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole break up?
Neither party cited a single catastrophic event for their final separation in 2022. While internet rumors frequently surfaced regarding financial disputes or rumors, both Kelce and Nicole have publicly debunked false claims, emphasizing that relationships simply run their course.
