The time has come to devote your entire personality to a bunch of cute old people finding love in the possibly haunted love shack known as Bachelor Mansion. In other words, The Golden Bachelor is back for round two, which means we’re due for a deep-dive on our latest victim leading man. Everyone, meet Mel Owens!

So, what do we know about this 66-year-old silver fox whose ready to find love in his golden years? Gather round.

He’s a Former NFL Player

Travis Kelce whomst? After playing football at University of Michigan, Mel went pro and was “selected as the ninth overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft by the LA Rams.”

He also apparently “recorded 26.5 sacks and four interceptions in his career,” according to Variety. This obviously means nothing to me, but sounds impressive nonetheless. Go sports!

cincinnati bengals v los angeles rams
George Gojkovich//Getty Images

He’s a Sports Injury Lawyer

After retiring from his football career in 1989 (and working at Merrill Lynch for a minute), Mel got his law degree and started repping people “seeking justice for sports-related injuries.”

He’s Been Married Before

Mel and his ex-wife, Fabiana Pimentel, married in 2002 and had two sons together, Lucas and Andre. However, their marriage ended in 2020 after Mel’s father unexpectedly passed away. Not sure what happened, but there’s no way this isn’t going to be a major subject once The Golden Bachelor kicks off, so stay tuned.

After a nearly five-year legal battle, their separation was finalized in late 2024, and per the Daily Mail, Mel was ordered by the court to pay almost $1 million to cover unpaid child and spousal support, property division, and attorney fees.

the golden bachelor “201/202” mel owens begins his journey for love with 23 women embodying elegance and strength. after a dazzling queen mary date and a cheerleading showdown judged by paula abdul, the week ends with a sun soaked pool party and a high stakes rose ceremony. wednesday, sept. 24 (8:00 10:01 p.m. edt) on abc. (disney/john fleenor) mel owens
John Fleenor//Disney

Oh, and when asked for comment by the Daily Mail about her ex’s new gig, Fabiana said, “Good luck. I mean, it’s going to be bad. But anyway, I don’t want to be involved in this.”

According to ABC, post-divorce Mel “channeled his energy into being the best father he could be, focusing on raising his sons and coaching their extracurricular sports teams.”

He’s from the Midwest—But Lives in California

The UMich alum grew up in Detroit, but he then moved to Orange County once he transitioned into law. He now lives in Newport Beach...and luckily, a number of his contestants are from the area.

He Wants to Find His “Teammate”

Cute note from ABC’s bio writer, who was finally tasked with writing something wholesome:

“Owens is ready to rediscover a love rooted in the simple joys of companionship–sharing life’s everyday moments, making plans for the future, and growing stronger together as a couple. As the Golden Bachelor, he’s eager to meet someone who shares this vision and finally find that perfect teammate he’s been waiting for in his golden years.”

He’s a Little Controversial

Back in June, Mel ruffled some feathers when he made some ageist comments about his potential contestants during a podcast appearance. He (maybe?) joked that he would be “cutting” any contestants who were “60 or over,” which didn’t go over well, considering that’s the whole point of show.

But Mel has since issued an apology for his comments (kind of), and here’s hoping he’s able to win back audiences...as well as the heart of one of his suitors.

He Used to Have a Fashion Brand

It was called “Evolution Wear,” according to Parade, and frankly I DEMAND that he bring it back.