Former Michigan first-round draft pick Mel Owens selected as Golden Bachelor for Season 2

The lines between the sports world and reality television continue to blur, thanks to some unique casting choices. The Golden Bachelor announced its most eligible man for Season 2 on Tuesday and it’ll be a man many are familiar with.

It will be former Michigan first-round NFL Draft pick Mel Owens. Owens spent nine seasons in the NFL following his time with the Wolverines.

The entirety of his professional career was spent with the Los Angeles Rams, so Owens knows a thing or two about the glitz and glamor on the West coast. Now we’ll get to see it translate to the big screen once again.

The Golden Bachelor features a slightly more elderly cast than the show’s typical offerings on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. But the first season was a smashing success.

Owens will be looking to carry things forward with his own version, as he dates double-digit women in search of his one true love. He’s a former NFL player turned lawyer, so he’s got plenty going for him.

Of course, Owens is not the only bachelor in recent history to make the leap from sports to the reality TV stage. A handful of others have been cast in recent memory.

Ole Miss had two players who were coached by Lane Kiffin on the potential cast of The Bachelorette in Season 21. Former Rebels tight end Jonathan Hess was up for it, while former Florida Atlantic receiver John Mitchell, also coached by Kiffin, was as well.

Kiffin had a good laugh over the whole thing, chiding Hess a bit in the process before that season began. Hess worked in the recruiting department at Ole Miss.

“I kind of feel like it’s kind of like a basketball tournament or now the playoffs in football,” Kiffin said. “I feel like if he can make it and get some momentum going and get past the beginning, to where people see a lot of him, then I think he’s got a chance because his personality. … It’s kind of Hess-isms. It’s just Hess. But I think they’re going to need enough time to see that come out.”

Hess did not make the final cut and did not appear on Season 21. He wasn’t the only one with Ole Miss ties with the chance to appear on reality TV, though.

Former Ole Miss defensive back Quintavius Burdette recently participated in filming for CBS’ Survivor Season 46. He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his rather unique and quirky style of gameplay.