Travis Kelce isn’t just a record-breaking tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs—he’s also the name on everyone’s lips when it comes to romance and celebrity buzz. From high-profile flings to headline-grabbing love stories, his dating journey has been anything but ordinary.
Whether he’s dodging paparazzi or dropping podcast confessions, Travis’s love life is as dynamic as his game-day performances. And now, with pop icon Taylor Swift in the picture, the stakes—and the spotlight—are even bigger.
Fans, media, and NFL insiders can’t stop watching. What makes his romantic timeline so captivating? Is it the fame, the flair, or the fairy-tale feels?
Let’s dive deep into the touchdowns, twists, and tabloid tales of Travis Kelce’s girlfriend saga.
Travis Kelce’s Dating History: More Than Just Headlines
Before Travis Kelce became one-half of America’s favorite sports-entertainment couple, his romantic journey was already grabbing attention. With NFL stardom, a charismatic personality, and a reality show under his belt, Travis’s love life has been a mix of romance, rumors, and revelations.
Let’s break it down—and yes, we’ll include the who, the when, and the what really happened.
The Catching Kelce Era: Maya Benberry and Reality TV Romance
In 2016, Kelce starred in Catching Kelce, a dating reality show on E!, where he chose Maya Benberry from 50 contestants, each representing a U.S. state. The show was a bold move, but so was the relationship.
| Show Name | Catching Kelce |
| Year Aired | 2016 |
| Network | E! |
| Winner | Maya Benberry |
Although things looked promising, the romance fizzled out within months. Maya later accused Travis of cheating, though Travis firmly denied it. This led to media coverage by TMZ and Daily Mail, igniting a short-lived firestorm.
Who Is Maya Benberry? From TV Winner to Real-Life Claims
Maya Benberry, a confident and outspoken Kentucky native, made waves post-show. Her interview with Daily Mail warned Taylor Swift to “be smart,” insinuating Travis might not be as loyal as he seems. The quote that sparked attention:
“Once a cheater, always a cheater.”
Sources close to Travis, however, refuted the claims. One Page Six insider said the pair “weren’t even together long enough for him to cheat.”
Kayla Nicole: The On-and-Off Five-Year Love Story
Enter Kayla Nicole, a sports journalist and influencer. The pair began dating in 2017 and shared an on-again, off-again romance that lasted until 2022.
Kayla’s Instagram posts reflected highs, while media leaks highlighted the lows—including allegations that Travis made her “pay for half of everything.”
| Relationship Start | 2017 | | Relationship End | 2022 | | Allegations | Financial imbalance, cheating rumors | | Travis’s Response | “This is fake news… a lie…” |
Why Travis and Kayla Broke Up—And What Came After
The couple’s split in 2020 was surrounded by infidelity rumors, especially when Kayla wiped photos from her social media. Though Travis tweeted a denial, the whispers persisted.
Kayla later opened up on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, admitting the breakup led to emotional distress, weight loss, and a tough journey to self-love.
“My abs were amazing… but I was depressed.”
The Zuri Hall Rumors: What We Know (and Don’t)
In late 2022, speculation flew that Access Hollywood host Zuri Hall was dating Travis. She was spotted in the VIP lounge at a Chiefs game, but neither confirmed the relationship.
By January 2023, Travis declared himself single on the New Heights podcast.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: The Ultimate Power Couple
2023 was the year everything changed. Taylor Swift, fresh off her Eras Tour, began making public appearances at Chiefs games. Soon, fans and media connected the dots.
By September, their relationship became public, and the internet exploded.
From Friendship Bracelet to Romance: How It Started
Travis revealed on his podcast that he tried giving Taylor a friendship bracelet with his number at her tour stop. She didn’t meet him. But it still worked.
| Gesture | Friendship Bracelet | | Event | Eras Tour, July 2023 | | Podcast Mention | New Heights Podcast |
Taylor at the Games: A Timeline of Public Appearances
Taylor has shown up at Chiefs games from September 24, 2023, onward, including the Super Bowl LVIII. She’s been spotted with Brittany Mahomes, Sophie Turner, and Blake Lively—cementing herself in NFL WAG culture.
How the Chiefs and Football Fit Into the Love Story
It’s not just love—it’s touchdowns and field goals, too. Taylor’s public support and sideline presence have fans tracking her NFL attendance almost as closely as her chart-topping hits.
Travis Kelce’s Personality Off the Field: Funny, Loyal, Romantic
Travis is more than a tight end—he’s a goofball. Described by Taylor as “hilarious” and “a genius” in a WSJ Magazine interview, he’s shown his romantic side often, especially in public comments.
The Podcast Reveal: What Travis Said About Taylor
On the New Heights podcast, Travis opened up:
“Obviously I’ve never dated anyone with that kind of aura…”
His remarks showed vulnerability and respect for Taylor’s massive platform.
Hollywood Meets NFL: Navigating Fame Together
It’s not easy blending Hollywood and NFL schedules. Between games, Eras Tour stops, and marketing duties, both face hectic timelines. Yet, they’ve managed a tight-knit relationship.
Paparazzi Pressure and Public Scrutiny on Their Relationship
Paparazzi, online trolls, and constant speculation haven’t deterred them. Travis says he’s not running away from it—and Taylor’s seen it all before.
How the Eras Tour and NFL Season Intertwined Their Worlds
Taylor’s global tour and Travis’s football season have been happening in parallel. And somehow, the two still manage to spend quality time together. A scheduling feat!
Public vs. Private: Their Approach to Love in the Spotlight
Taylor told TIME’s Person of the Year cover story:
“When you say a relationship is public, that means we’re showing up for each other.”
Still, they had a private phase before the paparazzi knew.
Kayla Nicole’s Reaction and Moving On from the Relationship
Post-breakup, Kayla unfollowed Patrick and Brittany Mahomes and focused on relaunching her fitness brand, team Therepe, blending mental health and workout routines.
Social Media Moves: Unfollows, Likes, and Public Messages
From Kayla’s deleted pics to Taylor’s subtle likes, social media became a relationship battleground. Fans analyze every move.
The Role of the Mahomes Couple in the Kelce Love Web
Brittany and Patrick Mahomes have featured prominently—sometimes fueling rumors, other times joining dinners. There’s been tension and support in equal parts.
Career Highlights: How Fame Impacts Love Lives
Both Travis and Taylor balance career peaks. He’s co-hosting Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?, while she’s breaking records as a Grammy-winning singer and billionaire.
From Super Bowl Wins to Grammy Applause: Mutual Support
Taylor celebrated Super Bowl LVIII wins with Travis. Meanwhile, Travis attended Eras Tour stops. That’s real-world love.
Travis Kelce’s Net Worth and Lifestyle: The Relationship Impact
With endorsements, a luxury getaway car, and real estate, Travis is worth millions. His relationship with Taylor only boosts that celebrity power.
Are They Getting Married? What’s Been Said So Far
Marriage talk? Not yet confirmed, but rumors abound. According to a TMZ insider, it’s “not out of the question.”
Fans’ Fascination: Why This Couple Captivates the Internet
Why do people care? It’s the intersection of music, sports, fame, and the wholesome love story we didn’t know we needed.
Expert Opinions: What Relationship Coaches Think
Many relationship experts applaud their balance of public presence and privacy, saying it sets a new model for celebrity dating.
Media Coverage: A Look at Sources Like TMZ, Daily Mail, Page Six
Media outlets from Page Six to Entertainment Tonight can’t stop covering them. Some gossip, some praise—but the story sells.
FAQs
Who is Travis Kelce’s girlfriend now?
Taylor Swift is currently dating Travis Kelce.
Did Travis Kelce date anyone before Taylor Swift?
Yes, including Maya Benberry and Kayla Nicole.
What happened with Kayla Nicole and Travis Kelce?
They had a five-year on-off relationship that ended in 2022.
How did Travis and Taylor meet?
He mentioned her on his podcast after trying to give her a friendship bracelet.
Are Travis and Taylor engaged?
There’s no confirmation of an engagement as of now.
Conclusion
Travis Kelce’s journey through fame, football, and relationships tells more than just a celebrity gossip story. It reflects modern dating in the spotlight, the strength to face public judgment, and the charm of a love story everyone wants to root for.
Whether you’re a football fanatic, a Swiftie, or just love a good love story—this one’s worth watching.
