Former NFL linebacker Mel Owens sparked backlash months before the premiere of ABC’s .
The Golden Bachelor, creating one of the biggest controversies in the show’s history.The 66-year-old, set to star in the senior edition of the dating franchise, came under fire after comments he made on the University of Michigan’s football podcast. Owens admitted he would immediately cut off any woman over 60 from consideration. The remark drew heavy criticism for being ageist.
Especially since the contestants of The Golden Bachelor range between 58 and 77 years old.
Owens quickly issued multiple apologies, labeling his statement “a mistake” and “way out of bounds.” Speaking to USA TODAY, he asked viewers to give him another chance:I’d say tune in, give me a second chance. Make your own evaluation.”Despite the rocky start, Owens is still hoping audiences will connect with his journey when the season premieres on September 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Who is Mel Owens?
Before stepping into the spotlight of The Golden Bachelor, Mel Owens had a remarkable sports career.Football Legacy: Owens was a standout linebacker at the University of Michigan before being drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Rams, his childhood favorite team. He went on to play nine NFL seasons, racking up 26.5 sacks.Family History: His father, Walter Owens, played professional baseball for the Detroit .
Stars of the Negro American League and later coached high school baseball in Detroit.
Life Beyond Football: Today, Owens works as a sports lawyer and is a divorced father of two.
Former NFL linebacker Mel Owens may have sparked controversy before stepping into the spotlight on Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor, but the 66-year-old says he’s ready for redemption, romance, and a new chapter.
Football Shaped His Life and Character
“You can’t separate the University of Michigan or the LA Rams from who I am,” Owens says. “Football teaches you discipline, teamwork, and hard work — those lessons stick with you forever.”
After retiring from the NFL in 1989, Owens returned to school and built a successful career as a sports lawyer.
A Devoted Father with a Modern Twist
Owens treasures his role as a father to his two sons, Lucas, 20, and Andre, 18, from his 18-year marriage.They’ve been living primarily with me, and I cherish that great father-son bond,” Owens says.
His sons also gave him a crash course in the digital age, introducing him to TikTok and Instagram. “Two months ago, I had four followers. I think I have more than four now,” Owens jokes.
Learning From Criticism
Owens admits his ageist remarks — saying he would cut off women over 60 — were a mistake. “I deserved the backlash,” he says. Still, he believes his football background helps him handle criticism: “I was criticized all the time by coaches, fans, and teammates. You take the hit and keep going.”
He avoids reading online comments, preferring to focus on the experience: “I definitely don’t dig into the social media negativity.”
His First Marriage and New Outlook
Owens married Fabiana Pimental in 2002. After nearly two decades, they divorced in 2024.
“It was a long marriage that just didn’t work out. I wish her well,” he says. “And I still love being married.”
Romance and “Perfect Dates”
Calling himself a romantic, Owens says he doesn’t define one “perfect date.”
“Traveling can be a perfect date. Or just staying in, relaxing, watching TV, or doing nothing. It’s about the moment.”
While he’s not prone to tears like the first Golden Bachelor, Gerry Turner, Owens admits: “I’m not a big crier, but I’m emotional. Crying is human, and it can be cathartic.”
An Intuitive Edge: ESP
Owens even claims he’s had extrasensory perception (ESP) since childhood. “It’s about energy exchange. When someone enters a room, I can sense it,” he says, adding that it helps him navigate relationships on the show.
Is He Looking for Marriage?
For Owens, the ultimate goal is love, not necessarily marriage. “Love fills your heart and gives you purpose,” he explains.Golden
As for spoilers, Owens remains tight-lipped: “You’ll just have to watch. There are ups and downs, twists and turns—even I couldn’t believe some of it. It’s an adventure.”
Ageism in Reality TV: A Talking Point
Owens’ controversy has unintentionally highlighted a bigger issue – ageism in media and reality television. While his comments were criticized, The Golden Bachelor itself is being praised for showcasing love and relationships among older adults, challenging stereotypes about romance after 50.You can’t separate the University of Michigan or the LA Rams from who.Golden
I am,” says Mel Owens, the new Golden Bachelor.
Football is about discipline—you have to be a team player, show up on time, and work hard. Those lessons carry into everything in life.”After retiring from the NFL in 1989, Owens returned to school and built a successful career as a sports lawyer.
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A Proud Father Guided by His Sons
Owens is the devoted father of two sons, Lucas, 20, and Andre, 18, from his 18-year marriage.They’ve lived mainly with me, and I cherish that father-son bond,” Owens says. “Every morning before school, I get to spend time with them.”
His boys have also helped him adjust to modern dating life—by teaching him social media. “They got me on TikTok and Instagram. Two months ago, I had four followers. Now I definitely have more than that,” he laughs.Golden
Handling Criticism Like a Pro
Owens, who faced backlash over past remarks before joining The Golden Bachelor, says he’s used to taking hits.I was criticized all the time in football—by fans, coaches, and teammates. You learn to take it and keep moving forward.”
He avoids negativity online, admitting, “I don’t dig into the comments on social media.”
His First Marriage and Life After Divorce
Owens married Fabiana Pimental in 2002, and the couple had two sons. Their divorce began in 2020 and was finalized in 2024.Defining the “Perfect Date”A self-proclaimed romantic, Owens doesn’t believe in one ideal date.Tcan be a perfect date. So can staying in, relaxing, or just doing nothing. It depends on the moment and the mood.”Golden
An Emotional Side—But Not a Crier
Unlike former Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner, Owens doesn’t expect to shed tears on camera.
“I’m not necessarily a crier, but I’m emotional,” he explains. “Crying is human—it can be cathartic and healthy.”
His Unique “Sixth Sense”
Owens also claims he has extrasensory perception (ESP), something he’s felt since childhood.
“It’s about energy exchange. If you’re in tune with it, you can feel it,” he says. “I’ve learned to trust that intuition, especially when meeting new people.”Searching for Love, Not Just Marriage
While Owens isn’t certain marriage is in his future, he knows he’s looking for love.
“Love fills your heart, gives you purpose, and makes life better,” he says. “Being in love—that’s the ultimate goal.”On the show, Owens remains private about what unfolds: “You’ll have to watch the journey. There are ups, downs, and twists I couldn’t believe myself. It’s an adventure.
