Meet the New Golden Bachelor: Mel Owens
The highly anticipated second season of “The Golden Bachelor” is set to premiere, introducing audiences to its new leading man, Mel Owens. The 66-year-old former NFL player and sports lawyer is stepping into the spotlight to find love, following in the footsteps of the show’s inaugural star, Gerry Turner. Owens, a Detroit native born on December 7, 1958, brings a decorated past to the Bachelor Mansion.
A standout athlete from a young age, Owens played college football at the University of Michigan before being selected as the ninth overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. After a successful nine-year career as a linebacker, he transitioned to a new field, earning a law degree and establishing a career in Orange County, California, as a lawyer specializing in sports-related injuries. According to digitaltrendstoday.com, he is currently a partner at the law firm Namanny, Byrne & Owens.
Owens was previously married to Fabiana Pimentel from 2002 until their divorce proceedings began in 2020, with the separation being finalized in December 2023. The couple shares two sons, Lucas and Andre. Following the end of his marriage, Owens focused on raising his sons, who he says encouraged him to join the show.
A Season of High Hopes and High Stakes
Owens will be meeting 23 accomplished women, all vying for a chance at love. The contestants range in age from 58 to 77 and come from diverse professional backgrounds, including a longevity nurse, a retired biomedical engineer, and a flight attendant. Notably, the cast includes 77-year-old Andra Mason, the twin sister of Sandra Mason, a contestant from the first season of “The Golden Bachelor.”
The season premiere, airing Wednesday, September 24, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, promises a memorable start. The first episode will feature Owens getting to know the women, a dazzling date aboard the Queen Mary, and a cheerleading showdown judged by music icon Paula Abdul before culminating in the first rose ceremony.
Addressing Pre-Show Controversy
Owens’s journey began with significant controversy months before the premiere. During a June appearance on his alma mater’s sports podcast, “In the Trenches,” he made comments that drew widespread criticism. He stated he would “cut” any contestants who were “60 or over” and told producers to “try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs.”
The remarks sparked a backlash from fans who felt the comments were ageist and contrary to the spirit of the show. In response, Owens has issued multiple apologies. He addressed the issue in an interview with Glamour, calling his statements a “mistake” and “insensitive.” He also reportedly apologized directly to the 23 women upon meeting them for the first time. “I’d say tune in, give me a second chance,” Owens told USA TODAY, hoping viewers will make their own evaluation as the season unfolds.
The Search for a “Perfect Teammate”
Despite the initial fumble, Owens is focused on his ultimate goal: finding a lifelong partner. According to his official ABC bio, he is ready to find a love “rooted in the simple joys of companionship.” He has expressed that while marriage isn’t a mandatory outcome, he is a romantic who enjoys being in love and is looking for his “perfect teammate.”
Owens described the group of women as exceeding his expectations, praising their energy, accomplishments, and zest for life. As he embarks on this televised journey, he promises a season full of “twists and turns” and incredible connections.
How to Watch
“The Golden Bachelor” Season 2 premieres on ABC on Wednesday, September 24, at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes will be available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
