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Colton Underwood is really desperate for love. Underwood, a former NFL player, was first a cast member on The Bachelorette before taking some time out to look for love on Bachelor in Paradise. Now, the 26-year-old is hoping the third time is a charm as the star of season 23 of The Bachelor.
Underwood was announced as “The Bachelor” during Good Morning America on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
As The Bachelor, Underwood will have his pick of at least 25 young women who are also looking for love. As a contestant on The Bachelorette, which starred Becca Kufrin, Underwood finished in fifth place. On Bachelor in Paradise, he briefly was linked to fellow contestant Tia Booth, but the two broke it off.
Prior to becoming a reality show star, Underwood made national headlines when he used social media to ask USA gymnast Aly Raisman for a date. Underwood successfully made his shot and dated Raisman for a few months before they ultimately split.
And even before that, he was no stranger to the spotlight.
Underwood, an Indianapolis, Indiana native, played college football for the Illinois State Redbirds. He went on to be signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent before being waived a few months later. Then, he was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles‘ practice squad. That was also a short stint, which led to a return to the Chargers where he joined their practice squad and ultimately signed a future contract. The following year, he was placed on injured reserve and waived. He briefly appeared on the Oakland Raiders practice squad which was his last NFL gig.
We will next see Colton Underwood when the new season of The Bachelor premieres in January 2019.
