Colton Underwood


Colton Underwood is an American reality television personality. He was a football tight end at Illinois State and was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2014, and was on the practice squad of the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles. After being released by the Raiders, Underwood became a contestant on the 14th season of The Bachelorette, and was then announced as the lead of the 23rd season of The Bachelor.

Early life and education

Underwood was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Scott and Donna Underwood. Both of his parents were star athletes at Illinois State University, Scott played college football for the Illinois State Redbirds and Donna played volleyball. Underwood moved to Washington, Illinois when he was 5 years old and attended St. Partick Grade school until 6th grade, then Central Grade School, and then Washington Community High School. His parents divorced in 2013 and moved to Denver, CO. He has a younger brother, Connor, and several step-siblings as a result of his parents' second marriages. Underwood graduated from Illinois State University, where he followed his father's footsteps to play college football for the Illinois State Redbirds.

Career

Football

On May 10, 2014, Underwood was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers. On August 30, 2014, he was waived. On September 3, 2014, Underwood was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. On September 9, 2014, he was released from practice squad.
On September 23, 2014, Underwood returned to the Chargers and was signed to their practice squad. On December 29, 2014, he signed a future contract. On September 5, 2015, he was waived. On September 6, 2015, he was placed on injured reserve. On September 10, 2015, he was waived from injured reserve.
On December 1, 2015, Underwood was signed to the Raiders' practice squad. On August 29, 2016, he was released by the Raiders.

Reality television

Underwood was a contestant on the 14th season of The Bachelorette, starring Becca Kufrin.
After getting eliminated in week 8 after hometown dates, Underwood was cast in season five of Bachelor in Paradise. After being linked to fellow contestant Tia Booth, Underwood broke it off, and both left Paradise separately in the 4th week.
On September 4, 2018, ABC announced Underwood would star in the 23rd season of The Bachelor. The announcement received mixed reactions on social media.
On September 21, 2018, ABC announced that Colton had started filming The Bachelor and had already met three of his contestants on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Philanthropy

In January 2016, Underwood founded the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation to raise money for cystic fibrosis research and medical equipment. Although not named after her, Underwood started the foundation in honor of his cousin Harper, who was diagnosed with the disease at 4 years old.
In January 2018, the foundation began the Legacy Project, with the goal of delivering Afflovests to children in 50 US States.

Personal life

Underwood has spoken publicly about his choice to remain a virgin, and how appearing on The Bachelorette helped him discuss the topic.
Underwood began dating speech pathology student Cassie Randolph after meeting on season 23 of The Bachelor. When Randolph initially ended their relationship during the final three, Underwood broke things off with the other two women and asked Randolph for a second chance without the pressure of an engagement. Underwood and Randolph were in a relationship from November 2018 until May 2020.
On March 20, 2020, Underwood said he had tested positive for COVID-19.

Filmography

Television

Music video

Awards and nominations