Third time’s the charm? Well, Bachelor Nation is sure hoping this is the case for Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise alum Colton Underwood as he starts his journey as the next Bachelor. Since he is about to start his quest for love (and hopefully find it!), it makes sense that we learn a little more about the man who will most likely be in the spotlight in the upcoming months.
1. He grew up in Illinois
The first thing to know about Colton is that, contrary to what the show has said about him growing up in Colorado, he actually grew up in Washington, Illinois. He attended Illinois State University, where he played football. However, like the show stated, he now lives in Colorado.
2. He dated an Olympic athlete
Being on television and dating someone in the spotlight was not something new for Underwood. He dated Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman from 2016 to 2017 and spent a lot of time in the public eye. This may have helped ease him into the life of dating someone with millions of people watching.
3. He runs a non-profit
A huge reason to LOVE our next Bachelor is the fact that he runs a non-profit organization. He started “The Legacy Foundation” in 2015 to help people of all ages with Cystic Fibrosis. Colton started this organization in response to his cousin’s diagnosis with this disease, and it has raised over $100,000 for research so far.
4. He’s a virgin
A discussion that seems to dominate Colton’s reputationt is the fact that he is a virgin. He revealed this to Becca Kufrin on her season of The Bachelorette, and let’s just say it has received many extreme responses. Some seem to think that it is endearing while others have snarky comments to make on the matter, but this small factor about him should not become a primary topic of discussion for his season of The Bachelor.
5. He has a messy history with Bachelor alum Tia Booth
Last, but certainly not least, Colton has had a complicated past with Tia Booth, former contestant of The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise and best friend to Becca Kufrin. Their relationship was brought to the spotlight on Becca’s season when both Colton and Tia confronted Becca about their previous short-lived relationship. Both brushed it off as a very unimportant matter. However, later in that season, as Colton became one of the last few men, Tia told her friend that she still had feelings for him. Following Colton’s departure from The Bachelorette, Tia did not reach out to Colton until she saw him on Bachelor in Paradise. After many tears and conversations, the two decided to give their relationship a fair chance and became exclusive. However, the two ultimately decided to split as a result of Colton’s feelings.
While there was a lot of controversy over who the network should have chosen as the next Bachelor, Colton is definitely a top-notch choice. It is clear that he wants to find love. Only a few more months until we can tune in to see if the third time really is the charm in the Bachelor world!