Travis Kelce’s Ex-Girlfriend Kayla Nicole Seemingly Shades Him and Taylor Swift in Super Bowl Ad, 4 Years After Breakup

February 9, 2026: Kayla Nicole is at the center of Super Bowl conversation after appearing in a commercial that many viewers believe included subtle shade toward her ex-boyfriend Travis Kelce and his fiancée, Taylor Swift — nearly four years after her relationship with the NFL star ended.

The ad aired during the Super Bowl broadcast and quickly caught attention due to Nicole’s role and a line delivery that sparked widespread interpretation online. While nothing was explicitly stated, fans were quick to dissect the moment, turning it into one of the most discussed celebrity ad appearances of the night.

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The Ex-Communicators are HERE to confront your Ex so you don't have to 🤝 #SleeperTeamPicks pic.twitter.com/U7WDgZD0wd

— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) February 8, 2026

Why Viewers Think It Was Shade

In the commercial, Nicole plays a confident, self-aware character involved in a storyline centered on exes and emotional fallout. A brief exchange — particularly a word choice that stood out to viewers — immediately fueled speculation that the moment was a clever nod to Kelce’s high-profile relationship with Swift.

Social media users seized on the timing, tone, and phrasing, interpreting it as intentional wordplay rather than coincidence. Within minutes of the ad airing, clips and reactions flooded online platforms.

The Context Behind the Buzz

Nicole and Kelce dated on and off for several years before officially splitting in 2022. Kelce later began dating Taylor Swift in 2023, with their relationship becoming one of the most high-profile celebrity romances in recent years. Their engagement further amplified public interest in Kelce’s past relationships.

Given that context, many viewers felt the Super Bowl ad — one of the biggest advertising stages in the world — was an unlikely place for accidental references.

Mixed Reactions From Fans

Reactions were divided. Some fans applauded Nicole for leaning into humor and self-awareness, calling the moment clever, bold, and empowering. Others criticized the appearance as unnecessary, arguing that enough time has passed since the breakup.

Still, many defended Nicole, pointing out that participating in a playful, scripted ad does not necessarily indicate lingering resentment.

Silence From All Parties

As of now, Nicole has not addressed the interpretation publicly. Neither Travis Kelce nor Taylor Swift has commented on the ad or the online speculation surrounding it.

The lack of response has only added fuel to the discussion, leaving fans to debate whether the moment was intentional shade, playful satire, or simply internet overanalysis.

A Super Bowl Moment That Stuck

Regardless of intent, the ad succeeded in one undeniable way: it became one of the most talked-about celebrity moments of the Super Bowl outside of the game itself.

Whether viewers saw humor, shade, or coincidence, Kayla Nicole’s appearance proves that in the age of pop culture scrutiny, even a few seconds on screen can spark a full-blown conversation.

FAQs

1. Who is Kayla Nicole?
Kayla Nicole is a media personality and the former girlfriend of NFL star Travis Kelce.

2. What happened in the Super Bowl ad?
Nicole appeared in a commercial that viewers interpreted as subtly referencing her past relationship and Kelce’s current engagement.

3. Was Taylor Swift directly mentioned?
No. Any perceived reference was indirect and based on wordplay and context.

4. Did Kayla Nicole confirm the shade?
No. She has not publicly commented on the interpretation.

5. How long ago did Kayla Nicole and Travis Kelce break up?
They split approximately four years ago.

6. Why did the moment go viral?
The combination of celebrity history, Super Bowl exposure, and fan speculation made it a major talking point.

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