A Playful Jab: Ex-Girlfriend's Super Bowl Spotlight
Kayla Nicole's Super Bowl Commercial Debut
Sports journalist and entrepreneur Kayla Nicole recently starred in a Super Bowl advertisement for the fantasy sports platform, Sleeper. The commercial features Nicole, alongside actress Tiffany Haddish and basketball player Ben Simmons, in a skit portraying a fictional firm that assists individuals in navigating public breakups from celebrity ex-partners.
The "Ex-Communicated" Narrative
In the ad, Haddish and Simmons' firm aims to help clients get "ex-communicated" from their former flames. Nicole's role as a testimonial adds a humorous twist, as she expresses dissatisfaction with the firm's services in her own situation. Her character's remarks, seemingly directed at the effectiveness of Haddish and Simmons' methods, subtly echo her past high-profile relationship.
Understated References to a Famous Ex
While the commercial cleverly avoids direct naming, a chyron identifies Nicole as an "ex of a certain NFL player." This subtle phrasing points to her previous relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, which spanned approximately five years from 2017 to 2022. The ad's narrative implies a playful nod to her personal history without explicitly stating names.
A "Swift" Misunderstanding in the Ad
During the commercial, a humorous exchange takes place when Nicole refers to a quick resolution as a "fiasco." Simmons, one of the firm's founders, interjects, clarifying that the intended term was "swiftly." This wordplay is a thinly veiled, lighthearted reference to Taylor Swift, Kelce's current fiancée, adding another layer of comedic commentary to the ad.
Other Celebrity Appearances
Beyond Nicole, Haddish, and Simmons, the Sleeper commercial also features other notable personalities. These include rapper Offset, known for his past relationship with Cardi B, and Ace Greene from Love Island USA. Their participation further enhances the ad's theme of celebrity breakups and the challenges of moving on in the public eye.
Travis Kelce's Public Engagements
While Nicole's ad generated buzz, Travis Kelce also had a prominent week. He attended the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium, where he was seen in good spirits during the Walter Payton Man of the Year award presentation. Following his split from Nicole, Kelce began dating Taylor Swift in 2023, and the couple announced their engagement in August of the previous year.
Taylor Swift's "Opalite" and Public Speculation
Adding to the week's celebrity narratives, Taylor Swift released the music video for her song "Opalite." Many listeners have speculated that the track alludes to Nicole, particularly given its themes of past relationships and their complexities. The song's lyrics appear to reflect on reasons why Kelce's previous relationships might not have endured.
Nicole's Instagram Response to "Opalite"
Following the release of Swift's track, Nicole posted a clip on Instagram that many interpreted as her response. The video features an excerpt from America's Next Top Model, where contestant Eva Marcille confidently states, "I don't compare myself to other girls… I'm no comparison to anyone else." This post seemed to convey Nicole's stance on the public comparison, reinforcing her individuality.