The Golden Bachelor season 2 premieres September 24 with Mel Owens on ABC

The Golden Bachelor season 2 premieres Wednesday, September 24 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, featuring retired NFL player Mel Owens as the franchise's second Golden Bachelor lead.

Owens, 66, succeeds season 1 star Gerry Turner in the Bachelor franchise spinoff designed for older contestants seeking love. The retired athlete discussed his decision to join the show during a Good Morning America appearance.

"When I found out that I could be the Golden Bachelor, I asked my friends, 'What do you think?' And everybody said, 'Yes.' And so I dove in," Owens said.


Also read: The Golden Bachelor 2025: Mel Owens’ inspiring journey from NFL star to love at 66

Despite initial nervousness, Owens committed to the experience. "I said, 'OK, let's do it.' It's like, I could find love," he added.

Golden Bachelor season 2 star has NFL and legal background

The Detroit native comes from what ABC describes as a "close-knit Midwestern family." Owens attended the University of Michigan before entering professional football as the ninth pick in the 1981 NFL Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Rams.

Following his playing career, Owens relocated to Orange County, California, where he pursued legal work specializing in sports-related injury cases. The Golden Bachelor season 2 lead is father to two sons from his first marriage.

ABC Golden Bachelor franchise expands senior dating format

After his first marriage ended, Owens focused on parenting and coaching his sons' sports teams, according to ABC's press release. The Golden Bachelor season 2 continues the franchise's exploration of dating among older adults.

The show follows the traditional Bachelor format while catering to contestants over 60 seeking meaningful relationships later in life. Season 2 represents the franchise's second attempt at capturing senior romance on television.