NFL star-turned-bachelor Mel Owens sparks controversy over 'Younger women only' dating rule
Mel Owens sets dating age limits ahead of Golden Bachelor Season 2 (Image via: Getty Images)
Former NFL linebacker Mel Owens is already stirring controversy as The Golden Bachelor Season 2 lead and the show hasn't even aired yet. Owens recently revealed that he requested to date younger women aged 45–60.
His candid comments about age, physical fitness, and partner preferences have opened up a larger conversation about ageism and expectations in reality dating shows.
Mel Owens' 'Age Cutoff' request raises eyebrows before filming starts
Mel Owens, 66, who spent eight seasons with the Los Angeles Rams before becoming an attorney, recently joined the ABC reality show The Golden Bachelor as its Season 2 lead. However, his comments on the MGoBlue Podcast triggered immediate media attention.
He disclosed that ahead of filming, he asked producers to limit contestants to women aged between 45 and 60.
"If they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them,"
Owens admitted telling a producer.
Although his request was met with resistance from producers who reminded him it's The Golden Bachelor, not The Silver Bachelor, Owens stood by his preference, saying he's looking for a younger, more energetic partner.
Owens emphasizes fitness, lifestyle, and "Natural Look" in ideal match
Aside from age, Owens also outlined what he's seeking in a potential partner.
'They got to be fit, because I'm staying in shape and work out and stuff,'
he said.
He added,
'Try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs. You know that kind of stuff.'
He described his ideal partner as a 'lifetime learner' who values health, energy, and a zest for life. The comments reflect Owens' belief that a shared lifestyle is key to building a long-term connection.
While the remarks may come off as blunt, Owens appears focused on compatibility through shared habits and active living.
What this means for Golden Bachelor Season 2
Owens was introduced as the show's second lead after Season 1's Gerry Turner, whose televised wedding ended in a surprise divorce. With production set to begin this month and wrap in August, the series is expected to premiere this fall.
Also Read:
Tyler Boyd rumored to replace Jahan Dotson as Eagles' WR3 spot sparks controversy
But with controversy already clouding the season, ABC may now face pressure to address ageism head-on or risk losing the audience it worked so hard to build.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton proposes to high school sweetheart Reese Damm in a magical seaside moment
Ravens Kyle Hamilton engaged! (Image credits: X/IG) Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton made headlines this week for more than just his on-field prowess. The standout defender got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Reese Damm, in a beautifully planned seaside proposal. The couple shared the big news on Instagram, giving fans a look into their fairytale moment. Held on June 23, the engagement was full of elegance, intimacy, and family love. Romantic proposal stuns fans and NFL circles The proposal setting was a picture-perfect backdrop—a seaside location framed by an arch draped in soft pink flowers. Kyle dressed sharply in a white shirt, blue blazer and pants, finished with brown shoes. Reese glowed in a light blue, off-shoulder dress paired with white sandals. The romantic energy was captured in photos that quickly drew love from across the NFL community. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) A highlight of the post was Reese giving a closer look at her sparkling diamond engagement ring, capturing hearts across social media. Family and friends joined the couple for the celebration, making the moment even more special. The pair, who met in high school, have been inseparable through college, career, and Kyle's NFL journey. Their love story has grown quietly behind the scenes—until now. Nearly 7 years of love and loyalty The couple's relationship began back in high school at Marist School in Atlanta, Georgia, where they met as teenagers. What started as a youthful romance grew into a strong foundation that has lasted nearly seven years. Through college life and Kyle's rise at Notre Dame, Reese remained a constant by his side, quietly cheering him on through every chapter. From homecoming to NFL Draft night, the pair has stood the test of time. In February, Reese reflected on their journey by posting highlights from the 2023 NFL season. 'Year 3 highlights pt 2,' she captioned a carousel of photos featuring moments from the field and their time together. She's been a loyal presence since Kyle was drafted by the Ravens in 2022, celebrating every professional milestone with personal pride and support. Rising star on and off the field As Hamilton prepares for his fourth season with Baltimore, his football career is trending as high as his personal life. Over three seasons, he has recorded 250 total tackles, including 186 solo and 64 assists. His standout play has earned him two consecutive Pro Bowl selections, including a nod in 2024. He was also ranked No. 11 on CBS Sports' 'Top 25 NFL Players Under 25.' Also read: Garrett Wilson and girlfriend Shay Holle turn heads with romantic Italy getaway after Jets minicamp wraps up NFL writer Cody Benjamin wrote, 'It's almost unbelievable now that Hamilton started just four games as a rookie... Need a timely sack? He can do it. Need a critical pass breakup? He's there. The Notre Dame product all but sets the standard for do-it-all safety play.' While Kyle continues to lead on the field, his engagement to Reese Damm proves he's winning in life too. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Saquon Barkley credits Christianity for unlocking the best year of his NFL career
Saquon Barkley says becoming a Christian changed his life and sparked his best NFL season yet. (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) Faith, football, and a record-breaking season? Saquon Barkley just connected all three. The Eagles star running back recently opened up about how becoming a Christian gave him something he didn't even know he was missing—clarity. And according to Saquon, it's no coincidence that his spiritual shift came during the biggest year of his NFL career. Saquon Barkley says finding faith brought clarity and his best football ever followed Speaking to golf creator Grant Horvat, Barkley got real about his personal growth, saying: 'I just became a Christian not too long ago… I don't think it's a coincidence that the best year I had in my career, I found my faith. It gives me some clarity in life.' He didn't hold back, Saquon made it clear that his success on the field isn't just about training or talent anymore. It's about something deeper. He backed it up with the best numbers of his career And when he says 'best year,' he means it. In the 2024 season: Barkley rushed for over 2,000 yards Scored 15 touchdowns Helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX victory And took home the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award Coincidence? According to Saquon, not at all. He credits his growth as a Christian for keeping him focused and grounded through it all. His agent is also his pastor and that made all the difference Saquon shared that his agent, Ed Barry, also happens to be a pastor and that relationship has helped him explore his faith in an even deeper way. Through regular Bible studies and spiritual guidance, Barkley says he's learning more every day. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo 'I'm not going to sit here and tell you I know the Bible in and out… It's something I'm learning… But having a relationship with God and understanding who Jesus is—that's what's giving me peace and clarity.' In a league where everything is measured by numbers, yards, touchdowns, rings, Saquon Barkley is now powered by something different: faith. And if 2024 is any indication, that shift just might be the secret behind the best version of him we've ever seen. Also read - "Prime Aaron Rodgers was better than Patrick Mahomes" says Ben Roethlisberger and NFL fans are divided Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
"H*e stay on my d**k": Antonio Brown's sexually explicit response to Woah Vicky's post sparks outrage among fans
Fans are furious at Antonio Brown's vulgar reply to Woah Vicky.(Image via Woah Vicky/X) Antonio Brown, once considered to be one of the greatest players in the league, has now found himself involved in serious legal issues, two years after his retirement. Currently, Antonio Brown is facing legal trouble after it was alleged that he shot a man in Miami. The NFL legend has run into legal trouble a number of times but his recent post has raised eyebrows and fans are brutally trolling him. Antonio Brown's explicit reply to Woah Vicky 's post has sparked outrage among fans A few hours ago, famous social media influencer and rapper, Woah Vicky, took to her social media to post a cuddling picture with Antonio Brown. The picture shows the two soaking up the sun as Antonio Brown has his arms around her. While fans were shocked by this picture, Antonio Brown's reply to it has sparked outrage among fans. Antonio Brown reposted the picture with a caption that read as, 'Fan hoe stay on my d**k…I fingered weed residue in her p****… stop posting me cracker ion f*** wit ya crack head ahhh.' While influencer and rapper Woah Vicky has not yet responded to Antonio Brown, fans are furious at the NFL legend. Fans are furious at Antonio Brown's reply. (Image via X) A fan by the username @itsPepeTime20 took to X and wrote, 'Says that while picture shows him cuddling the life out of her lmao 🤣 boy you are trash' Another fan by the username @Julysveryownn commented, 'People like this scare me cause you were perfectly fine in the photo.. but NOW she a crack head?' A third fan by the username @THE_INPHAMUS_1 joked, 'Ain't this dude wanted for attempted murder 😭Tf off the internet', while another user by the username @dataslag wrote, 'Is this supposed to mean something? Can you translate this from retard to human?' Antonio Brown has not yet responded to the criticism he has received for his reply to Woah Vicky's post. Where is Antonio Brown at the moment? Even though Antonio Brown is wanted by the authorities for shooting a man in Miami, he has not been arrested yet since it seems like the NFL legend is not in the country. A few weeks back, it was alleged that Antonio Brown had fled the United States and landed up in the United Arab Emirates. As of now, there have been no official updates on the case yet. Also Read: Antonio Brown was court-ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation and complete an anger management program due to his violent behavior in 2020 Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
