On opening night of The Golden Bachelor, a hockey-loving contestant breaks the ice with a pointed zinger: “What the puck are you talking about?” The line lands squarely on Mel Owens, the former NFL linebacker stepping into the role of ABC’s leading man at 66. This time, he’s not dodging tackles on a field—he’s taking accountability under the bright lights of reality TV, where words, growth, and second chances matter as much as roses.
A Night One Quip That Set the Tone
Owens says he knew he would face tough questions from the 23 women entering the Bachelor Mansion—especially after his controversial comments earlier this year. He estimates that he apologized more than 20 times during the premiere, both in groups and one-on-one. The hockey-playing contestant’s wisecrack became an early sign that the women weren’t going to let his past remarks slide.
“I asked them to give me another chance,” Owens has said about that first night, noting that the conversations were candid and, at times, intense. “I deserved the questions. I needed to own it.” According to Owens, the women ultimately chose to hear him out.
From Rams Linebacker to Reality TV Lead
Owens isn’t a stranger to pressure. He spent the 1980s with the Los Angeles Rams (1981–1989), and that competitive edge, he suggests, now fuels a different kind of journey. A father of two and a divorcé, he now practices law with a focus on sports. He admits he wasn’t a regular viewer of the Bachelor franchise, but a friend urged him to throw his hat in the ring for The Golden Bachelor—and he eventually did.
After finalizing his divorce from Fabiana Pimentel, whom he married in 2002, last December, Owens says he paused before accepting the spotlight. He hadn’t done much dating and saw the opportunity as a rare adventure and a chance at authentic connection at this stage of life.
The Comment That Ignited the Backlash
The controversy traces back to June, when Owens told the University of Michigan’s In the Trenches podcast that he would be “cutting” any women on the show who were 60 or older. The comment, widely perceived as ageist, quickly drew criticism. Owens, a newcomer to social media, says a longtime friend—who is his age—called him immediately and urged him to make things right. He now admits the remark was “out of bounds.”
By the time filming began, Owens knew he would have to address the issue head-on. He says he apologized repeatedly on camera and emphasized that, once he met the women, age didn’t register as a factor. Only one contestant is under 60: Maia Dreyer, 58, a sports consultant from Malibu, California. “When you see them, you don’t think age,” he explains. “I had no idea how old they were, and it didn’t matter.”
Owens Says He Never Considered Walking Away
Despite rumors that he might step aside amid the blowback, Owens says quitting was never on the table. “I never contemplated stepping away. Never,” he insists. He also notes that ABC stood by him during the fallout. He wasn’t removed from the show; instead, he was encouraged to address the controversy directly.
Owens says he asked viewers and contestants alike for forgiveness—and, crucially, the chance to earn it. He acknowledges that trust is rebuilt through action, not words alone, and hopes his behavior on and off camera reflects that commitment.
Why He Said Yes to the Golden Spotlight
Owens describes this chapter as a period of recalibration. Fresh off a difficult life transition, he wanted to lean into vulnerability rather than retreat from it. He admits that opening up on national television wasn’t his instinctive move, but the timing, the premise, and some nudging from friends pushed him to consider it. He ultimately viewed The Golden Bachelor as an opportunity to show that romance, reinvention, and personal growth don’t have an age limit.
He also recognizes the responsibility that comes with representing older daters on network television. The Golden Bachelor has resonated with viewers by celebrating love stories beyond the typical “twentysomething” mold, and Owens says he wants to meet that moment with respect and sincerity.
What to Expect on Premiere Night
The Golden Bachelor debuts September 24 on ABC (8 ET/PT) with a two-hour episode featuring classic limo arrivals, the season’s first group date, and plenty of face time for candid conversations. Owens anticipates direct questions about his past remarks and says he doesn’t shy away from them. He reiterates that he apologized—often—and focused on listening, accountability, and showing who he is now.
Viewers can expect a mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and spirited interactions as the women decide whether Owens deserves that second chance. The early “What the puck” exchange is likely to be a standout, not only for its levity but also for how it frames the season’s central theme: can someone own a mistake, learn from it, and move forward with integrity?
The Conversation About Age on Reality TV
The dust-up around Owens’s comments underscores a larger topic reverberating far beyond one show: how reality TV portrays age, especially for women. The Golden Bachelor has been praised for spotlighting the lives, experiences, and complexities of daters over 60. That’s part of why the comment landed so poorly—and why the response matters.
Owens’s public reckoning opens space for a broader cultural conversation. Many viewers tune in not just for romance, but for the representation of later-in-life relationships—complete with careers, families, and history. If the franchise can model accountability and growth alongside courtship, it could deepen its impact.
How He Hopes to Be Seen
Owens describes himself as coachable—someone who can listen, adapt, and put in the work. He credits the show’s producers for allowing him to address the situation rather than sidelining him, and he emphasizes gratitude for the women who were willing to hear him out. He’s clear that earning trust is ongoing, not a one-episode fix.
As a former pro athlete and now an attorney focused on sports law, he’s familiar with performance and scrutiny. But reality TV brings a more personal test: being present, empathetic, and honest when emotions are high and cameras are rolling.
Why This Matters
The Golden Bachelor’s new season arrives with a story that extends beyond flowers and first impressions. It’s about accountability meeting opportunity, and about whether a person can translate an apology into meaningful change. For viewers, the premiere offers more than a debut; it’s a measure of how sincerely Owens engages, listens, and grows.
On September 24, the question isn’t only who gets a rose. It’s whether Mel Owens can turn a misstep into a teachable moment—earning trust from the women, and from an audience that’s watching to see if action truly follows words.
