Colton Underwood

Colton Scott Brown-Underwood, born on January 26, 1992, is a prominent American reality television figure and former professional athlete. He began his career in football as a defensive end at Illinois State University, where he showcased his skills on the field. In 2014, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers and later spent time on the practice squads of the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles. After parting ways with the Raiders, Underwood transitioned to reality television, making his debut as a contestant on the 14th season of The Bachelorette.

His journey continued when he was selected as the lead for the 23rd season of The Bachelor, marking a significant milestone in the franchise as he became the first lead to publicly identify as gay. This groundbreaking revelation brought a new level of representation and visibility to the LGBTQ+ community within the reality TV landscape. Since then, Underwood's openness about his sexuality has sparked conversations and garnered support from fans and advocates alike.

Beyond his reality TV career, Colton has also authored a memoir titled "The First Time," where he shares his personal journey and experiences. His story continues to inspire many, making him a notable figure in both sports and entertainment.