Mel Owens went from college football player to NFL player to lawyer and is now venturing into a new part of his life as the Golden Bachelor.
The 66-year-old former Michigan Wolverines player has been selected as the next "Golden Bachelor" on ABC's Golden Bachelor, a dating show spinoff of the famous The Bachelor, which can be seen on ABC and Hulu. He is the second ever Golden Bachelor selected as the show aired for the first time back in 2023.
He’s 66 and single — for now. Meet Mel Owens, a former NFL player-turned-lawyer, proud father, and your next Golden Bachelor. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/hRqA3UIY6L
— The Golden Bachelor (@GoldenBachABC) April 22, 2025
Owens is famous for his career on the football field, starting at Michigan. He played for the Wolverines from 1977 to 1980, playing under head coach Bo Schembechler. Owens didn't see a ton of time his first two seasons with Michigan, however saw his playing time increase in his final two seasons.
The Detroit native started all 12 games his junior season in 1979 and recorded 42 solo tackles and 26 assisted tackles. In that 1979 season, Owens earned a spot on the Second Team All-Big Ten team for his play for the Wolverines. In the 1980 season, Owens took a bigger step forward that would help him find his way to the NFL.
Owens started 11 of the 12 games he played in 1980 and helped Michigan achieve a 10-2 record, finishing No. 4 in the AP poll that season. In the 1980 season, Owens had 52 solo tackles, 37 assisted tackles, and one interception, earning himself First Team All-Big Ten honors.
In the 1981 NFL Draft, Owens was selected ninth overall by the Los Angeles Rams, where he would play a nine-year NFL career at linebacker. He finished his NFL career with 453 total tackles, 26.5 sacks, and four interceptions. He spent his entire career with the Rams and retired after the 1989 season.
Owens went on to law school in his post-NFL life and is now looking for love again on The Golden Bachelor.