Travis Kelce's Ex Kayla Nicole Faces Backlash for Chiefs Comments on 'I Am Athlete' Podcast

Kayla Nicole stirred controversy with sharp remarks about the NFL playoffs during a recent podcast, reigniting discussions about her connection to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kayla Nicole, a media personality and former girlfriend of NFL star Travis Kelce, sparked reactions following her remarks about the Kansas City Chiefs during the January 21, 2025, episode of the "I Am Athlete" podcast. Nicole co-hosts the show alongside former NFL players Brandon Marshall and Josh Bellamy.

A fan comment on Travis Kelce's ex, dated January 22, 2025 | Source: X/margotnaya

During the episode, Nicole shared her thoughts on the recent divisional playoff results. She discussed the Chiefs' victory over the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens' dramatic loss to the Buffalo Bills.

The Ravens' elimination came after tight end Mark Andrews missed a crucial two-point conversion in the fourth quarter. While commenting on the Chiefs' strong performance, Nicole appeared to take a subtle jab at Andrews.

Kayla Nicole is pictured on the "I Am Athlete" podcast, dated January 21, 2025 | Source: YouTube/IAMATHLETE

"They have guys they can throw the ball to who aren't going to drop the ball in the end zone," she said, referring to the Chiefs' offensive strengths. She continued by praising Kelce, the team's standout tight end, "Travis Kelce — that's a tight end that's not gonna do it."

Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs for yardage after a third quarter pass catch in the Divisional Round playoff on January 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images

Nicole emphasized that Kansas City's success isn't solely dependent on Kelce. She highlighted the team's depth and offensive firepower, predicting that the Chiefs are likely to make their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance.

"They've got the threats, so, as much as I'd love to see somebody else in the Super Bowl, just to see something new, it's not gonna happen," she said.

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce #87 as he is tackled by Blake Fisher #57 of the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff on January 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images

Despite her admiration for the Chiefs' abilities, Nicole expressed her desire to see an upset in the post-season. She hoped that the Buffalo Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, might prevent the Chiefs from advancing further.

"I would love to see Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills pull off the upset on Sunday because she—and most NFL fans—are 'bored' of seeing the Chiefs advance," she explained.

Kayla Nicole attends 2024 FOX Winter Press Day at Fox Studio Lot on November 18, 2024, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

When asked by her co-hosts about what makes the Chiefs a dominant force, Nicole credited head coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and the electrifying atmosphere at Arrowhead Stadium. "It's the loudest stadium in the league," she noted.

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts before the start of the first half against the New York Giants at Arrowhead Stadium on November 01, 2021, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images

Nicole also spoke highly of Mahomes' skill set and his ability to remain composed under pressure. "I think Patrick, too, is just a seasoned vet at this point. There's no panic. There's no sudden decisions," she said. "Like this is a well-thought-out offense. He studies the game like nobody else … that's all he does. He is a student of the game."

Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates during the second half of the AFC Divisional playoff game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 18, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri | Source: Getty Images

The podcast took a lighter turn when her co-hosts asked how she seemed so well-informed about the team. Nicole jokingly replied, "I know somebody on the inside."

Nicole's comments quickly garnered attention online, leading to divided opinions on social media platforms. On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed a mix of criticism and concern for the influencer.

One user wrote, "I'm bored of her constantly bringing up his name." Another added, "She's literally obsessed." Others appeared more critical of her actions, with one commenting, "Nobody needs that mess in their life."

Kayla Nicole attends the Actively Black NYFW after party at PEAK at Hudson Yards on September 08, 2023, in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Another user stated, "I'm serious, she needs help." Meanwhile, some suggested it was time for Nicole to move forward, with one user writing, "She gotta move on with her life."

Facebook users were equally vocal, with many criticizing Nicole for her remarks. One commenter wrote, "She's just mad she's not the one on Travis Kelce's arm anymore. Who cares what she says? Trying to be relevant, bye!"

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are seen leaving Karen Elson's wedding on September 7, 2024, in New York | Source: Getty Images

Another commented, "Can she just go away already? Build a life that doesn't revolve around your ex or his gf. It's pathetic." Others expressed support for the Chiefs, with one user simply stating, "Why is she still salty Go Kansas City Chiefs [sic]."

Kayla Nicole in the SPECIAL FORCES: WORLD'S TOUGHEST TEST episode "Terror and Brotherhood" airing Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Nicole's public remarks about her relationship with Kelce have also reignited conversations. The pair, who began dating in 2017, had an on-and-off relationship before breaking up for good in 2022.

During an appearance on WNBA star Angel Reese's "Unapologetically Angel" podcast on October 11, 2024, Nicole addressed longstanding rumors that Kelce was "cheap" during their time together.

NFL player Travis Kelce (L) and media personality Kayla Nicole attend The 2018 ESPYS at Microsoft Theater on July 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

"Do I look like I would go 50-50 on bills?" Nicole said when asked if splitting expenses had contributed to their breakup in 2022. She dismissed the claims as false, adding, "That was ridiculous. But he addressed that too though. I don't even know why that became a thing. That was never an issue in our relationship, but it was definitely a rumor on the internet."

NFL player Travis Kelce (R) and Kayla Nicole attend Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards 2018 at Barker Hangar on July 19, 2018, in Santa Monica, California | Source: Getty Images

Nicole described the emotional toll of navigating a highly publicized breakup. "I think the combination of everything is the perfect storm to make you want to disappear from the world entirely," she told Reese.

She explained how the backlash, particularly on social media, continues to affect her. "Behind closed doors, the hardest part is losing a partner, a best friend, speaking every day to cutting ties. Then you throw in social media. I would be lying if I said that that level of hate and online chaos didn't impact me, even to this day."

Kayla Nicole is pictured on the "Unapologetically Angel" podcast, dated October 11, 2024 | Source: YouTube/UnapologeticallyAngelShow

Nicole revealed that she still receives negative comments on her posts, with people debating her worth and criticizing her career. "It has nothing to do with me. I think there is something about that level of fame that attracts crazy people, which is unfortunate because I don't think I have done anything to warrant that kind of backlash," she said.

Kayla Nicole shares her thoughts on the "Unapologetically Angel" podcast, dated October 11, 2024 | Source: YouTube/UnapologeticallyAngelShow

When Reese asked if Nicole and Kelce would ever be "cool" with each other again, Nicole replied, "We were cool … we are not as cool as we were before."

She admitted that while they've crossed paths in public spaces, they choose to avoid interaction. "We are both aware of the nature of his situation that there's just no room for us to communicate or acknowledge each other publicly. So we'd just keep it moving."

Travis Kelce and girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, arrive to the NFL Honors show at the YouTube Theater on February 10, 2022, in Inglewood, California | Source: Getty Images

Despite the challenges, Nicole spoke fondly of their relationship, calling it "a good time in my life." She also reflected on the lessons learned from the experience.

(L-R) Travis Kelce and Kayla Nicole attend the 11th Annual NFL Honors at YouTube Theater on February 10, 2022, in Inglewood, California | Source: Getty Images

"So many lessons learned, but that's with every relationship," she said. Nicole admitted that it was her first public relationship and expressed frustration with how the public feels entitled to know the personal details of someone's life.

Nicole opened up about the toll of public scrutiny during her October 15, 2024, appearance on the "I Am Athlete" podcast, which aired shortly after her discussion with Angel Reese.

In an episode titled "Mastering the Media," Nicole admitted, "I thought that I handled things with grace. I answered the questions to the best of my ability." However, she said the public had their own interpretation of her comments.

Kayla Nicole looks emotional during her appearance on the "I Am Athlete" podcast, dated October 15, 2024 | Source: YouTube/IAMATHLETE

Nicole shared that while online backlash doesn't always bother her, it deeply affects her mother. "My mom calls me though, and it's those conversations … that's what matters to me," she shared.

Nicole described how her mother felt hurt by the negative headlines and public perception. "Even my mom was like, 'Well maybe next time, we just don't answer those questions.'"

Kayla Nicole attends 2024 ESSENCE Girls United Disruptor Summit at PC&E Sound Stage on October 12, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia | Source: Getty Images

Nicole also addressed rumors about her decision to unfollow Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, on Instagram. Speaking to People in October 2023, Nicole confirmed that the two had a conversation about the situation privately.

"I do think it's important to publicly address this because I did publicly unfollow people," Nicole said. "The reality is I know these people in real life. And so, in real life, I've communicated to these people why I've had to publicly make the decisions that I made."

(L-R) Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Brittany Mahomes, Kayla Nicole, and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs attend the 2022 NHL All-Star Skills as part of the 2022 NHL All-Star Weekend on February 4, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Nicole and Brittany developed a close friendship during Nicole's five-year relationship with Kelce, even attending significant milestones together, such as wedding dress shopping and Brittany’s bachelorette weekend in early 2022.

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Brittany Mahomes attend the 2022 NHL All-Star Skills as part of the 2022 NHL All-Star Weekend on February 4, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

While Nicole maintains love and respect for Brittany, she explained that the rapid changes in everyone's lives have forced her to take a step back. "I still love my KC people and my KC community so much," she said, adding, "But for me in my life, I have to move forward, and everyone has to respect that. And hopefully, when they respect that, that means that they're no longer inserting me into things that do not involve me."

Kayla Nicole is pictured on September 27, 2024 | Source: Instagram/iamkaylanicole

Kayla Nicole's comments on the "I Am Athlete" podcast have reignited public discussions about her past relationship with Travis Kelce, her fallout with close friends, and her struggles with online criticism.

As Nicole continues to navigate life post-breakup, her candid reflections and focus on mental health offer a glimpse into her ongoing journey of personal growth.