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The Women Before Taylor: A Deep Dive Into Travis Kelce’s Ex-Girlfriends And Their Thriving Post-Kelce Lives

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The global spotlight on Travis Kelce, thanks to his high-profile romance with music icon Taylor Swift, has naturally cast a curious eye backward at his dating history. As of late 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end is one half of the most talked-about couple on the planet, but before the red carpets and sold-out stadiums with the pop star, Kelce's love life included a reality TV show and a long-term, on-again/off-again relationship that lasted half a decade.

This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the women who were central figures in the NFL star's life before the "Swelce" era began, detailing their full biographies, the nature of their relationships with Kelce, and what each of them is doing now, proving they are far more than just "Travis Kelce's ex." The narrative around these women—especially in 2025—is one of independence, thriving careers, and moving on.

Detailed Biographies: The Women Who Dated Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce's dating history before Taylor Swift is primarily defined by two significant relationships and one rumored fling, each woman building an impressive career in her own right. Their professional lives span media, wellness, and entertainment, establishing them as successful figures independent of the NFL star.

Kayla Nicole

Kayla Nicole, a prominent sports journalist and media personality, was Kelce’s most significant long-term partner before his current relationship. Their on-again, off-again romance spanned nearly five years, from 2017 to 2022.

  • Full Name: Kayla Brown (Professionally known as Kayla Nicole)
  • Born: November 2, 1991 (or March 2, 1991, sources vary on the month, but the year is consistent)
  • Hometown: Los Angeles, California
  • Education: Graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
  • Career Highlights: On-air host and sports reporter for major outlets including ESPN, BET, and HotNewHipHop. She has also worked as a model and founded her own wellness brand, "Strong Is Sexy." In 2025, she is actively pursuing a career as a podcast host and fashion innovator.
  • Relationship with Kelce: Dated from 2017 until their final breakup in 2022.

Maya Benberry

Maya Benberry was the first woman to be publicly linked to Kelce through his foray into reality television. Her relationship with the Chiefs star was short-lived but highly publicized due to its origin on the E! network.

  • Full Name: Maya Benberry
  • Born: December 27, 1991
  • Hometown: Born in Germany, raised in Kentucky.
  • Education: Studied Elementary Education at the University of Kentucky.
  • Career Highlights: Professional dancer, model, influencer, and life coach. She also works as a publicist and founded a cosmetic business, Benberry Beauty Bar. She has appeared in a few movies and was involved in a music video project in late 2023.
  • Relationship with Kelce: Winner of the 2016 dating show Catching Kelce. They dated for a few months before splitting in early 2017.

Zuri Hall (Rumored Fling)

Zuri Hall is a highly respected entertainment correspondent who was rumored to be linked to Kelce in the period between his split from Kayla Nicole and his relationship with Taylor Swift.

  • Full Name: Zuri Hall
  • Career Highlights: Emmy Award-winning entertainment reporter and correspondent for NBC's Access Hollywood. She is a prominent figure in entertainment news and media.
  • Relationship with Kelce: Rumored to have dated Kelce in 2022-2023, though the relationship was never officially confirmed by either party and remained a brief fling, or simply a rumor, in the public eye.

The Five-Year Saga: Inside the Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole Relationship

The relationship between Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole was the longest and most public of his pre-Swift dating life, making their breakup a major focal point for fans. They initially met on Instagram and quickly became a fixture at Kansas City Chiefs games and NFL events.

The couple's relationship was marked by high-profile appearances, including the Super Bowl, and a deep integration into each other's lives. Kayla was often seen supporting Kelce, and the pair was known for their stylish red-carpet looks. Their on-again/off-again pattern eventually led to a final split in 2022.

Following the split, rumors circulated regarding the reason for their breakup. One persistent rumor suggested that Kelce was "cheap" and that this played a role in the separation. Kayla Nicole, however, publicly addressed these claims, denying that stinginess was the cause of their final parting.

The enduring nature of their five-year relationship means that Kayla Nicole has faced the most scrutiny since Kelce began dating Taylor Swift. Her response, however, has been one of grace and a clear focus on her own professional identity.

Thriving Beyond the Spotlight: What Travis Kelce's Exes Are Doing Now in 2025

In the wake of the media frenzy surrounding Kelce and Swift, his former partners have made significant strides in their careers, firmly establishing their own brands and narratives. They are leveraging their platforms to focus on their professional passions, a key theme of their lives in 2025.

Kayla Nicole’s Entrepreneurial and Media Ascent

Kayla Nicole has successfully transitioned from being primarily known as an NFL WAG (Wives and Girlfriends) to a full-fledged entrepreneur and media personality. Her wellness brand, "Strong Is Sexy," continues to grow, and she has expanded her media presence through a successful podcast.

She has been very vocal about the challenges of being constantly referred to as an "ex-girlfriend," emphasizing her desire to be recognized for her own accomplishments in broadcast journalism, fashion, and business. Her recent social media activity, including cryptic messages following news of Kelce and Swift's engagement, has kept her in the public eye, but her main focus remains on cultivating her own space for women and wellness.

The topical authority around Kayla Nicole is now shifting toward her role as a wellness entrepreneur and a figure advocating for female independence in the media landscape.

Maya Benberry: The Reality TV Winner Turned Life Coach

Maya Benberry's public profile is intrinsically linked to the reality show Catching Kelce, which saw 50 women—one from each state—compete for Kelce's heart. Although the romance ended quickly, Maya has used her platform to build a career as a publicist and life coach.

Her work now focuses on personal development and media, utilizing her background as a professional dancer and her experience in the public eye. Maya has also weighed in on the Kelce-Swift romance, offering her perspective as a former partner, which briefly brought her back into the media discussion.

The Impact of the 'Swelce' Phenomenon on Past Relationships

The intense, unprecedented level of media attention on Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift has inevitably impacted the lives of his ex-girlfriends. The sheer volume of searches for "Travis Kelce ex gf" and related LSI keywords like "Kayla Nicole Swift reaction" demonstrates the public's curiosity.

The biggest challenge for both Kayla Nicole and Maya Benberry has been navigating the constant comparison and the re-emergence of old relationship rumors. Kayla Nicole, in particular, has been a model of professionalism, using her platform to pivot the conversation toward her own career and growth. Her message is clear: the end of a relationship, even a high-profile one, is the beginning of a new chapter focused on self-empowerment.

Ultimately, while Travis Kelce's past relationships will forever be a part of his public history, the women he dated are forging successful, independent paths in media, wellness, and entertainment, proving that their stories are far from over. Their current success stories serve as a powerful counter-narrative to the celebrity relationship drama.

travis kelce ex gf
travis kelce ex gf

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