Colton Underwood
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Colton Underwood

Athlete & TV Personality

b. January 26, 1992

“I’m undeniably myself, and I think realizing that is the way to live life.”

Colton Underwood is a former NFL player, a philanthropist, a best-selling author, and a television personality. Famous for his appearance on “The Bachelor,” along with two of its spin-offs, he made history as the show’s first star to come out as gay.

Underwood was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of two successful college athletes. He attended his parents’ alma mater, Illinois State University, where he played football, following in his father’s footsteps. 

Underwood joined the NFL in 2014 as an undrafted free agent. He signed with the San Diego Chargers and later joined the practice squads of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Oakland Raiders. In 2015 he founded the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation to provide equipment and resources for people living with cystic fibrosis, after his young cousin was diagnosed with the disease. 

Following his release from the Raiders in 2016, Underwood pivoted from football. In 2018 he became a contestant on the 14th season of the ABC hit reality show “The Bachelorette.” Immediately after he was eliminated from the competition, he was cast in season 5 of “Bachelor in Paradise.” In 2019 Underwood was invited to star in “The Bachelor.” 

During his stint with the franchise, Underwood publicly discussed his decision to remain a virgin—a claim “The Bachelor” heavily merchandized. Although he did not propose to his “Bachelor” finalist, Cassie Randolph, at the show’s conclusion (the usual result when the star makes his choice), the couple began a two-year relationship. Underwood chronicled his search for love and the relationship with Randolph his 2020 New York Times best-selling memoir, “The First Time.” 

Following blackmail attempts to out him, Underwood disclosed that he was gay during an interview in 2021 with Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America.” He is the first star in the history of “The Bachelor” to come out. Underwood further disclosed that he had been with men before his “Bachelor” appearance. 

Following his revelation, Underwood signed with Netflix for a six-episode unscripted reality series, “Coming Out Colton,” which chronicled his experience embracing the LGBTQ+ community. 

Underwood married Jordan C. Brown, a Democratic strategist, in May 2023. He has shifted the focus of his Legacy Foundation to mental health awareness with an emphasis on student athletes.