The Golden Bachelor Season 2's Mel Owens' Football Career Explained (He Had A Long Stint In The NFL)

The Golden Bachelor season 2's new lead has been announced, and it's Mel Owens, aged 66, whose legacy in the National Football League is impressive. Now that there's officially a new star, there's a lot to be excited about. The show is interesting, giving older men and women the chance to find love again. Inside almost everyone, at any age, there's a young spirit that blooms, hoping and wishing. There's the desire for a fairytale ending.

Elite sports are incredibly challenging. The standard is so high that many men and women never get to the big leagues. Making it into the NFL is a dream that most young football players in America have. It's the brass ring that they reach for. When Mel achieved that lofty goal, becoming the ninth draft pick back in 1981, he must have felt like he'd won the lottery. However, it takes more than luck to become a top-tier athlete - it requires talent, tons of hard work and endless sacrifices.

Mel Played For The Michigan Wolverines During College

He Was A Great Player

See Mel today in the Clairandemmapod Instagram post above, where they welcome to new lead to the fold. Long ago, Owens attended the University of Michigan. He did so back in the late 1970s. He was a Michigan Wolverines team member for three seasons. Mel was a student-athlete freshman (a redshirt) who began to play for the Wolverines during his second year of college. During his college career, his stats showed his ability. Overall, during his time with the team, where he was a linebacker, he performed extremely well, with:

• 125 tackles
• 79 assists
• 3 interceptions

Those who don't know everything about football may wonder, "What does a linebacker do?" This player must try and stop runs and passes. They can rush a quarterback or cover a receiver. This type of player is part of the defense, found in the middle of the defensive group, behind the defensive line and in front of the defensive backs.

Before he was drafted to an NFL team, Mel earned All-Big Ten recognition. That's quite an honor, as getting recognized means that a student has excelled academically and on the gridiron. Football's a very rough sport - those who play the game to entertain us often pay a heavy price. Many football players damage their brains and/or bodies. Mel, after earning a bachelor's degree, went on to law school. Then, he began to advocate for players who were hurt on the field. He represented them as a lawyer.

That's important work. A lot of people may be aware that the hits football players take can damage their brains and bodies permanently. Concussions are commonplace in the sport. Mild and repetitive hits may cause a brain disease called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE. It can trigger serious symptoms, including dramatic changes in behavior and dementia. This disease can be fatal.

Mel Went On To Play For The Los Angeles Rams

He Stopped Playing Due To An Injury

Mel, who attended DeKalb High School before going to the University of Michigan, was a first round draft pick in 1981. Selected ninth in that round, he was sent to the LA Rams. If you've watched an NFL draft, you know that getting picked in the first round is like a dream come true for players. They get all dressed up and then wait to see what will happen - some get their wish, while others are disappointed. See Mel in his younger days in the Football Alumni Of Michigan at Facebook post shown above.

According to the official NFL website, Mel, whose middle name is Tyrae, is 6'2" and weighed 224 pounds during his stint with the Rams. Sagittarians are known for being outdoorsy and athletic people - they love to hit the target in life and love. So, it's not surprising that Mel was born under this Fire sign. His date of birth is December 7, 1958. Other famous Sagittarian athletes are Aaron Rodgers, basketball player LiAngelo Ball and French footballer (soccer, not American football) Kylian Mbappé.

While he played for the Rams as a linebacker for nine seasons, he was waived by the squad during his tenth year, due to a herniated disk. During the '80s, he played a pivotal role in the team, starting all but one of 76 games from 1983 to 1987. His injury must have devastated him, ending his football dreams, but Sagittarians are optimistic people, so he kept going. He transitioned into a successful law career where he could help others who were injured during games.

By helping other players after his own football career ended, he showed his grit, determination and compassion. All of these traits should help him to choose wisely on The Golden Bachelor. However, there are no guarantees. Gerry Turner, his predecessor, appeared to find genuine love with Theresa Nist, but their marriage lasted mere months.

That being said, Gerry found out he had untreatable cancer. He said that played a role in his decision to end the marriage. He made the choice that was right for him, and doesn't deserve criticism in light of what he was (and is) going through. Gerry is very brave.

Is Mel Different Than Gerry Turner?

Will Mel Find A Long-Term Marriage On The Golden Bachelor

Is love a game for football pro Mel? Time will tell. The word "game" can have many meanings. A "game" can be sexy and romantic, or just a charade. How Mel approaches the issue of finding love on the series, as a mature man who's had so much success, is really up to him. However, based on his Sun sign, he'll value a woman who gives him the freedom to explore and think big. He won't want to feel hemmed in by a partner. Sag natives are obsessed with freedom. It's something that defines them.

That doesn't mean they can't commit - it just has to be right. A partner who gives a Sag man enough space to grow and dream, and put those dreams into action, can be richly rewarded. Some people born under this sign have a lot of honor. They keep their promises.

The truth is that there are many Sagittarians who don't thrive in monogamy. They want to taste everything in life, and need novelty and variety. It remains to be seen if Mel is the straight shooter Sag or the wild card. It will be fun to watch his journey unfold on The Golden Bachelor season 2.