Travis Kelce may be one of the biggest names in the NFL today, but in 2023, his celebrity status reached an entirely new level when he began dating global pop icon Taylor Swift.
Still, long before the Swift headlines, Kelce had a few notable relationships that made waves in sports and entertainment circles. From reality TV romance to high-profile public partners, here’s a look back at the women most linked to the Kansas City Chiefs star before his current superstar girlfriend.
1. Maya Benberry (2016–2017)
Kelce’s first widely publicized relationship came through television.
In 2016, he starred in the dating reality show “Catching Kelce,” where he ultimately chose Maya Benberry as the winner. Their relationship continued briefly after filming, though it didn’t last long in the public eye.
Timeline highlight:
- Met on Catching Kelce in 2016
- Split reportedly sometime in 2017
Benberry later made headlines for speaking publicly about their breakup, keeping the relationship in the pop-culture conversation even after it ended.
2. Kayla Nicole (2017–2022, on-and-off)
The longest and most significant relationship in Kelce’s dating history was with sports journalist and influencer Kayla Nicole.
The two were together for several years, with an on-and-off dynamic that often drew attention from fans. Kayla was a regular presence at Chiefs games and became well-known among NFL audiences.
Timeline highlight:
- Began dating around 2017
- Relationship continued on and off for years
- Final breakup reported in 2022
This remains Kelce’s most serious public relationship prior to Taylor Swift.
3. Zuri Hall (Rumored, 2022)
After his split from Kayla Nicole, Kelce was briefly linked to entertainment reporter Zuri Hall.
While never officially confirmed as a long-term relationship, rumors swirled after the two were reportedly seen together at events.
Timeline highlight:
- Linked in mid-to-late 2022
- No confirmed long-term relationship
This connection was short-lived but made headlines during the period when Kelce’s love life was under growing public scrutiny.
The Swift Era Begins (2023–Present)
By the time Kelce and Taylor Swift were first connected in 2023, he was already a Super Bowl champion and one of the NFL’s biggest personalities.
But dating Swift pushed him into a new level of fame—blending the worlds of football, pop music, and celebrity culture like few athlete relationships ever have.
Why Fans Care About These Timelines
Sports stars dating outside the league is nothing new, but what changed in the years leading up to Taylor Swift was just how much public attention Travis Kelce’s personal life began to draw.
Kelce’s relationship timeline reflects a clear evolution — from his reality TV debut to long-term, high-profile romances, and ultimately to one of the most talked-about celebrity pairings in the world today.
Whether you follow him for football or for the headlines, Kelce’s story has become firmly woven into both sports and pop culture history.
That fascination is partly driven by Kelce’s charisma and strong social media presence, but also by how his relationships have unfolded alongside his rise to NFL superstardom. Major outlets like ESPN.com and NFL.com regularly cover his on-field success, and it’s only natural that interest extends into his off-field life as well.
