The Next Golden Bachelor 2025: 7 Shocking Secrets About Mel Owens, The NFL Star Ready For A Second Chance At Love

The search for America’s next senior sweetheart is officially over. As of today, December 11, 2025, the highly anticipated second season of *The Golden Bachelor* is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, and the man holding the roses has been named: Mel Owens. The 66-year-old retired NFL linebacker and successful sports lawyer is stepping into the spotlight, bringing a compelling mix of athletic grit, professional success, and a deeply personal journey to find love after loss. His selection has already generated significant buzz, not just for his impressive background, but also due to a controversial past that has fans and former contestants alike talking. This season is poised to be one of the most dramatic and talked-about in the franchise’s history, promising a fresh, yet familiar, quest for a "golden" second chance at love. With 23 dynamic senior women vying for his heart, Mel Owens's journey is set to redefine what it means to find romance later in life.

Mel Owens: Full Biography and Profile

The newest *Golden Bachelor* is a man of remarkable professional achievements, whose life has been marked by both public success and private heartbreak. Here is a detailed look at Mel Owens's profile:

• Full Name: Mel Tyrae Owens
• Age: 66 (Born December 7, 1958)
• Hometown/Residence: Detroit, Michigan (Born and Raised); currently resides in California.
• Profession: Retired NFL Player and Sports Lawyer.
• NFL Career: Linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams (8 seasons, 1981–1988). He was a first-round draft pick (9th overall) in the 1981 NFL Draft.
• Education: University of Michigan (Conference Championship winner).
• Family Legacy: His late father, Walter Owens, was a Negro League Hall of Famer, highlighting a deep family history in professional sports.
• Marital Status: Divorced. He was married to his "first love," and is a father of two sons.
• Reason for Joining: Seeking a genuine connection and a second chance at love after his marriage ended.

The 7 Shocking Secrets and Controversies Surrounding the New Golden Bachelor

While Mel Owens presents a polished image of a successful athlete-turned-lawyer, his road to *The Golden Bachelor* has been anything but smooth. His selection has been shadowed by pre-season drama, making him one of the most controversial leads the franchise has ever had. These are the top secrets and controversies that have dominated the headlines leading up to the September 2025 premiere:

1. The "Under 60" Age Controversy That Rocked Bachelor Nation

Perhaps the most explosive pre-season detail was Mel Owens’s controversial comment regarding his ideal age range for a partner. In a pre-taping interview on the 'MGoBlue' podcast, Owens stated that he was primarily interested in dating women between the ages of 50 and 60, effectively "dissing" women over 60. This comment immediately sparked outrage among fans and senior singles, as the show's entire premise is centered on finding love for contestants 60 and older. The backlash was so intense that Owens was reportedly forced to address the controversial remarks directly with the 23 contestants on their first night at the mansion.

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2. His Ex-Wife Issued a Public Warning to Contestants

Adding fuel to the fire, Owens's ex-wife, Fabiana Pimentel, publicly weighed in on his casting. She issued a stark warning to the women of Season 2, cautioning them about his character and intentions. The divorce drama, which included a reported $980,000 settlement, became a major talking point, suggesting that Mel's past is far more complex than his ABC bio suggests. Fabiana also stated that she does not "want to be involved" with the show, distancing herself from the reality TV spectacle.

3. He Was a High-Profile NFL First-Round Draft Pick

Unlike the first *Golden Bachelor*, Gerry Turner, who had a more relatable, non-celebrity background, Mel Owens has a deeply rooted connection to professional sports. He was a first-round draft pick for the Los Angeles Rams in 1981, a rare distinction that speaks to his intense competitiveness and drive. His eight-season career as a linebacker with the Rams means he is accustomed to high-pressure situations and public scrutiny, a trait that will undoubtedly be tested during the emotional journey of the show.

4. The Season 2 Contestants Range Up to 77 Years Old

Despite Mel's preference for younger women, the show's producers clearly stuck to the core mission of the franchise. The 23 senior women vying for his heart range in age from 58 to 77, with an average age well within the "golden" demographic. This significant age gap between Mel's stated ideal and the actual cast guarantees high-stakes drama and raises the question: Will he be able to look past his initial preferences to find genuine love with an older woman?

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5. He Transitioned from Football to Law After His Career

After retiring from the NFL, Mel Owens didn't simply fade away. He leveraged his experience and intellect to become a successful sports lawyer, often focusing on sports-related injuries. This career pivot showcases his dedication to advocating for others, particularly those who have faced physical challenges, adding a layer of depth to his public persona that goes beyond the football field.

6. The Premiere Date is Set for September 24, 2025

ABC has officially confirmed that *The Golden Bachelor* Season 2 will premiere on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. The season will kick off with a special two-hour episode, followed by weekly episodes available for streaming on Hulu. This fall premiere places the show perfectly in the network's lineup, hoping to replicate the massive success of the inaugural season that captured the hearts of millions of viewers.

7. The Cast Includes a Retired IRS Worker and a Fitness Pro

The 23 women of Season 2 are a diverse group of senior singles with fascinating careers. The cast list includes a range of accomplished women, such as Debbie Siebers, a 65-year-old Fitness Professional from Wisconsin, and Cheryl Steele, a 66-year-old Retired IRS Worker from Colorado. Other notable professions among the senior singles include a retired biomedical engineer and a former bomb tech. With contestants like Alexandra (67), Andra (77), Carla (62), Carol (63), Peg (62), and Robin, the competition is fierce, and the sheer variety of life experiences ensures a season rich in compelling stories and potential connections.

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What Mel Owens is Looking for in a Partner

Despite the initial controversy over his age preferences, Mel Owens has consistently expressed a desire for a deep, authentic connection. His search for love comes after a significant life chapter, and he is reportedly looking for a partner who shares his values, sense of adventure, and commitment to family. The show's narrative is expected to focus on his emotional journey, particularly how he navigates the complex feelings of dating again while honoring his past.

The core theme of *The Golden Bachelor* remains the same: proving that it is never too late to find a soulmate. With Mel Owens's powerful background, the dramatic pre-season buzz, and a diverse group of accomplished senior women, Season 2 is set to be a must-watch television event, continuing the franchise's mission to celebrate "second chances" in romance.