Former NFL Player Mel Owens Narrows Contestants on ‘Golden Bachelor’

Detroit native and former NFL player Mel Owens has narrowed down his search for love on ABC’s reality series, Golden Bachelor, leaving three women in the running. In the latest episode, which aired on March 13, 2024, Owens handed out three roses, eliminating fan favorite Cheryl, a retired IRS agent. The decision has sparked discussions among viewers regarding Owens’ choices and the dynamics of the show.

The episode featured a group date that took contestants to Butterfly Mountain in Los Angeles, where they participated in activities aimed at releasing negative emotions. Each contestant had a moment alone with Owens, allowing for personal connections to develop. Ultimately, roses were awarded to Cindy, Peg, and Debbie, while Cheryl and Nicolle were sent home.

Who is Mel Owens?

Owens, 66, played linebacker for the University of Michigan from 1977 to 1980 and was later drafted ninth overall in the 1981 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Following his nine-season career in the NFL, he transitioned to law, earning his juris doctorate from the University of California’s Hastings College of the Law. Currently, he is a partner at NBO Law in Orange County, specializing in sports injuries, workers’ compensation, and disability benefits.

Interestingly, Owens has a connection to the music industry; his father taught the legendary Diana Ross while living in Detroit. Earlier this year, he made headlines after stating his preference for dating women aged 45 to 60, a remark that generated some controversy. He addressed this during the show’s premiere.

Contestants and Show Dynamics

The Golden Bachelor cast for 2025 features a diverse group of 23 women. Contestants include Alexandra, a 67-year-old luxury yacht sales representative from Miami, and Andra, a 77-year-old retired federal worker from Los Angeles, among others. Each woman brings her own unique story and background to the show, contributing to a rich tapestry of experiences.

As the season progresses, viewers can anticipate the evolving relationships and the challenges that arise. New episodes of The Golden Bachelor air weekly on Wednesdays, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day.

The show continues to attract attention as it explores themes of love and companionship later in life, offering a fresh perspective on romance and relationships. As Mel Owens navigates this journey, audiences are keen to see who will ultimately win his heart.

For those interested, the next episode promises to deliver more intriguing moments as the competition heats up, showcasing the resilience and spirit of its participants.