Super Bowl Ad Revives Old Romance Buzz, Kayla Nicole Faces Fresh Backlash!

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The Super Bowl is all about flashy commercials, viral moments, and social media going into overdrive. But this year, a Sleeper fantasy sports ad seemed determined to reopen an old relationship file — with Kayla Nicole right at the center.

It’s been nearly three years since her split from Travis Kelce. One would think time heals all wounds. But the internet apparently has a longer memory than an elephant. The way Nicole was introduced in the commercial felt, to many viewers, like a not-so-subtle reminder of her past relationship. Instead of focusing on the product, audiences zoomed in on the wordplay.

In the sketch, Nicole said, “Simmons and Haddish promised me that they could put an end to this whole ‘ex-girlfriend’ fiasco quickly,” to which Ben Simmons replied, “That doesn’t sound right,” before pausing and adding, “Swiftly.”
That single word — “Swiftly” — set social media ablaze. Given Kelce’s current engagement to Taylor Swift, many felt the timing was anything but accidental. Coincidence? Or carefully calculated?

As highlighted in the coverage:

Travis Kelce’s ex Kayla Nicole is facing backlash for appearing in a Super Bowl ad about confronting exes after previously asking not to be labeled that way.
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— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) February 9, 2026

And just like that, the reactions poured in. Some labeled it “the most embarrassing commercial,” while others criticized her for seemingly being unable to shake off the “ex” label even after three years.

However, there’s another side to the story. Supporters argue that Nicole may have intentionally leaned into the “ex-girlfriend” narrative — owning it, even mocking it — instead of running from it. From that angle, it looks like a bold rebranding move. From another? A textbook publicity stunt.

Super Bowl commercials are designed to go viral, and in that sense, Sleeper certainly succeeded. But when a single pun overshadows the actual brand message, you have to wonder who really won.

In the end, the internet decides who gets crowned clever and who gets labeled a clout-chaser. Whether this was strategic brilliance or a misstep, only time will tell.

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