At 66, retired NFL linebacker–turned–attorney Mel Owens, 66, enters the spotlight as the leading man for The Golden Bachelor Season 2. Born in Detroit, he played for the University of Michigan before embarking on a nine-year career with the Los Angeles Rams. Owens later earned a law degree and now helps athletes with injury claims in Orange County. Now, he’s on a quest for a partner who shares his passions — perhaps his age range. Here are the recent controversial comments he made and why this may mean he’s no longer the new lead.

Mel Owens is reportedly no longer ‘The Golden Bachelor’ Season 2 lead

The Golden Bachelor Season 2 lead Mel Owens might’ve gotten a little too candid while on the In The Trenches podcast hosted by Jon Jansen for the University of Michigan Athletics. While on the podcast, Owens admitted that he didn’t want to date any woman over 60. And he planned to cut the older women from the competition.

“It’s blind up until they get out of the limo. But they asked me, ‘What’s your preferences?’ So, I just said 45 to 60, just being honest,” Owens said. “And then the process went, and I was selected, right? And then we had lunch with the executive producer. I said, ‘You know, if they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.’ ‘Oh Mel, you can’t, you know, this is not the ‘Silver Bachelor.’ It’s The Golden Bachelor. He goes, but they’re going to be hot; don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about it.”

On July 2, 2025, Reality Steve reported that these comments led to ABC firing Owens as the lead. “I’m hearing that Mel Owens is OUT as the Golden Bachelor due to recent negative publicity surrounding his June 4th podcast appearance,” Reality Steve posted to Instagram. “Expect an announcement soon, including who is going to replace him. Haven’t heard a name yet on who that is. Will update if/when I hear.”

At 72, Gerry Turner pioneered a new chapter in reality TV as the inaugural star of The Golden Bachelor. A widower since 2017, he brought intention and emotional depth to each rose ceremony — calling them “soul-crushing” yet meaningful reflections of real connections. While Turner and Theresa Nist didn’t work out in the end, he still retains a fan base as he navigates life and dating in his later years.

Turner wasn’t impressed with what Mel Owens had to say about dating older women. While speaking to TMZ, Turner said that Owens’ age restrictions are a bad look, especially for a reality TV series that celebrates love for older folks. He also explained how The Golden Bachelor producer encouraged him to stay receptive to women over 65 in his group, and it helped him find the right woman for him at the time. Turner chose Nist, who’s 71.

Fans are ‘pleasantly surprised’ by ABC’s response

ABC has a tough track record with The Bachelor contestants. And Mel Owens’ Golden Bachelor comments painted the show in a negative light. In the past, the network might’ve tried to sweep the comments under the rug. However, fans are happy that ABC took Owens’ comments to heart and now hope to replace him as the lead.

“Actually super pleasantly surprised here,” a fan on Reddit wrote. “Glad ABC is listening to this one.”

“I think Gerry speaking out against him was the nail in Mel’s coffin,” another fan commented. “I know Gerry’s had some controversy and turmoil since his season ended, but he’s still beloved as the first Golden Bachelor, leading the most successful season of any Bachelor product (ratings-wise!) in years. And he’s the juxtaposition of Mel’s gross positioning. Gerry did it correctly; he welcomed and was attracted to older women. (WHICH IS THE POINT OF THE SHOW!)”

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