Golden Bachelor 2025: Mel Owens NFL Background, Age, and Why He Was Chosen

When ABC introduced the world to The Golden Bachelor in 2023, the show broke the mold of traditional dating series by focusing on love later in life. Now, with Season 2 on the horizon, the spotlight shifts to Mel Owens, a former NFL linebacker whose story is as compelling off the field as it was on it.

But who exactly is Mel Owens? Why did ABC choose him as the next Golden Bachelor? And how does his football past shape his path to finding love on national television? Let’s take a closer look at the man behind the headlines.

From the Gridiron to the Golden Hour

Mel Owens, 66, is not your average reality show star. Long before his name was trending in entertainment circles, he made his mark on the football field. Owens played college football at the University of Michigan, where he quickly became a standout linebacker. His performance earned him a first-round pick in the 1981 NFL Draft, selected ninth overall by the Los Angeles Rams.

Over the course of a ten-year career in the NFL, Owens built a reputation as a hard-hitting defender with an analytical mind—a rare combination that made him a natural leader both on and off the field. His playing days ended in 1990 due to a herniated disc, but that setback opened the door to a surprising second act.

Reinvention After the NFL

After retiring from professional football, Mel Owens didn’t slow down. Instead, he turned his focus toward the courtroom. Earning his law degree in California, he built a new career as an attorney specializing in sports-related injury law. His clients include athletes dealing with workers’ compensation claims and other legal issues linked to their playing careers.

This transition from NFL star to attorney demonstrates not just resilience but also adaptability—traits that The Golden Bachelor producers likely saw as essential for the lead of a show about second chances.

Why ABC Chose Mel Owens as the New Golden Bachelor

While ABC has not publicly detailed every factor in their decision, several reasons make Mel Owens the ideal Golden Bachelor:

• A Rich Personal Story: Owens brings depth. After a 25-year marriage that ended following the death of his father, he stepped back from dating to focus on raising his two sons. His journey through loss, single fatherhood, and reinvention speaks to many older Americans who have faced similar paths.

• Not Just a Reality Star: Unlike many leads in the Bachelor franchise, Owens isn’t a recycled contestant or influencer. He’s a public figure, yes, but one whose fame was earned through hard work and personal transformation. That authenticity adds credibility to a show aimed at redefining what romance looks like later in life.

• A True Gentleman Athlete: Owens is part of a generation of athletes who led with integrity. His public image—disciplined, professional, and kind—aligns with the tone The Golden Bachelor is trying to set.

• Diversity and Representation: As a Black man leading a high-profile dating series for older adults, Owens brings much-needed representation to prime time. It’s a significant step for a franchise often criticized for its lack of diversity.

Mel Owens' Age and Life Today

At 66, Mel Owens embodies the spirit of the modern senior. He’s active, ambitious, and emotionally available—three pillars the show promotes as it aims to dismantle outdated stereotypes about aging.

He splits his time between California, where he practices law, and Michigan, where his roots in football still hold weight. His sons, now adults, have supported his journey back into dating, offering encouragement for him to take this public leap.

And in an age where older men in media are often portrayed as either out of touch or overly romanticized, Owens presents a balanced, refreshing alternative. He’s not looking for fantasy—he’s looking for a partner to share the next chapter of life.

What This Means for The Golden Bachelor Franchise

Choosing Mel Owens to headline The Golden Bachelor 2025 signals a broader ambition for the show. Season 1 with Gerry Turner was a cultural moment, but Owens' story has the potential to elevate the format even further.

ABC is clearly invested in expanding the show's audience, and casting a former NFL player turned lawyer adds cross-generational appeal. It also reinforces the idea that life—and love—doesn't end at retirement.

Final Thoughts

Mel Owens’ NFL background, his reinvention as a lawyer, and his openness to love after loss make him one of the most compelling leads the Bachelor franchise has introduced. He’s not just a “Golden Bachelor” in name—he’s earned that title through a lifetime of perseverance, personal growth, and a willingness to try again.

As the second season of The Golden Bachelor gears up, viewers will see a different kind of romance unfold—one shaped not by youthful uncertainty, but by wisdom, experience, and hope. And at the center of it all is Mel Owens: the NFL linebacker who’s ready to tackle love, one rose at a time.