LOS ANGELES — “The Golden Bachelor” has officially cast its new lead, Mel Owens! He’s a retired NFL player looking for love.
During the “Get Real” event by Hulu, Jesse Palmer, the host of “The Bachelor” series, shared some exciting updates. Apart from announcing the renewal of “Golden Bachelor,” Palmer brought Owens on stage to introduce him to the audience for the first time. Owens disclosed that he was informed of his casting less than a day before this event.
“How does it feel?” Palmer asked.
“Great!” Owens responded. “I mean, I didn’t know, right? Then, I see you… Since then, it’s been 24 hours of like, craziness!”
At the event, Palmer gave On The Red Carpet a rundown of everything audiences need to know about the Golden Bachelor before the new season kicks off.

Mel Owens poses at Hulu’s Get Real event in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
The basics:
Palmer began by giving some basic information about Owens, stating, “Mel is a 66-year-old former NFL player with an 11-year career in the league. He successfully transitioned into a prominent lawyer and relocated to Orange County. Originally hailing from Michigan, he embodies the values of a midwesterner.”
His qualities:
“He’s obviously incredibly handsome. He’s incredibly charming. He’s incredibly intelligent. He’s very genuine,” Palmer continued.
His personal life:
Delving into Owens’ personal life, Palmer mentioned, “He is a family-oriented individual who, despite professional achievements, has faced some challenges in his personal life. Owens has experienced divorce, the loss of his father, and has dedicated himself to raising his two sons.”
What he’s looking for:
“Someone who’s honest, charming, loving, fit, someone full of life, because, you know, it’s go time… I was married for 25 years, right? So, you miss that companionship.” Owens divulged.
Why Mel Owens makes a good Golden Bachelor (according to Jesse Palmer):
Palmer gave some closing thoughts. “He finally now, I think, has an opportunity to focus on himself, and I know he’s really anxious and eager to find somebody to spend the rest of his life with, so I think there couldn’t be a better candidate to be our Golden Bachelor.”
“The Golden Bachelor” is now casting.
You can watch season one, streaming on Hulu.
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