KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Kansas City Chiefs

Kayla Nicole reframes her dating philosophy after moving on from Travis Kelce

Kelce has since found love with Taylor Swift

Kayla Nicole
Kayla NicoleInstagram

Kayla Nicole, known for her high-profile relationship with Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, is opening up about how her perspective on love and dating has shifted dramatically since their split.

The couple had an on-and-off relationship that lasted from 2017 until 2022, drawing significant public interest throughout its course. Now, Nicole is setting new boundaries-not just for herself, but for how she approaches intimacy and public scrutiny.

Speaking on her podcast The Pre-Game, Nicole offered insight into how the aftermath of her relationship with Kelce led her to reconsider long-held beliefs about soulmates and public relationships.

Contrary to the idea of having "one true love," Nicole shared that she now sees relationships as shaped by timing, growth, and emotional maturity. This more fluid approach to love signals a broader emotional evolution for Nicole, one influenced heavily by her time in the public eye.

"I think it does a disservice to women in particular, especially just like young girls. I feel like growing up, that's what I was taught," Nicole said.

"You have your one, your one and only. But ... this is how my mind works: If I only have one and my one is with someone else because he thinks that that's his one, then I'm just left without my one for the rest of my life."

A turn toward privacy and purpose

Following her split from Kelce, Nicole has chosen to be far more protective of her personal life. She noted that the media attention and online speculation surrounding her past relationship made her more cautious about what she shares publicly.

Going forward, she has said she won't be publicly dating unless there is a ring involved-and possibly children, too. It's a strong pivot from her earlier openness, and one that reflects her focus on personal stability and well-being.

"In reality, I'm protecting me, and I'm protecting you," she said.

Nicole has also moved away from her past preference for dating athletes. During her podcast, she joked that she's firmly "out of the athlete stage" and instead finds herself drawn to powerful professionals in other industries, like music and film.

She envisions a future with someone who can offer substance and security-perhaps an executive whose idea of a good time includes box seats at a Lakers game rather than the sports limelight she's known.

These revelations represent more than just dating preferences-they show a deliberate attempt to protect her peace while still pursuing meaningful connection. Nicole's evolving views come as part of a broader journey to reclaim her narrative and refocus on personal goals.

Though her past with Kelce continues to attract attention, Kayla Nicole is determined to move forward on her own . She's choosing discretion over exposure, and depth over drama-marking a new chapter that's rooted in self-awareness and empowerment.

Kansas City ChiefsTravis Kelce's barber reveals Taylor Swift's boyfriend's hair secrets: Did the Chiefs star get a transplant?
Kansas City ChiefsTravis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes forging strong bonds with Alpine drivers as F1 heads to Miami
Kansas City ChiefsRyan Reynolds dodges questions amid social media fallout with Travis Kelce