Watch: Would Alix Earle Ever Sign Up for The Bachelorette? She Says…
Ready, set, will you accept this rose?
The Bachelor just announced that its upcoming 30th season will have a major twist—tapping Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman as the leading man for the ABC reality dating show.
“I’m excited but I’m also so nervous,” Hartman said on Good Morning America Nov. 13. “I have a tough time holding conversation with one girl. 30 is going to be pretty tough.”
Nevertheless, Hartman’s huddle couldn’t be more thrilled that he’s passing out petals instead of throwing passes.
“They’re excited,” the 27-year-old revealed of his family’s reaction to the news. “My mom and I have a really cool relationship, and my pops is obviously just supportive. And their big thing is just be myself and enjoy the experience, and you know, trust the instincts and trust your gut.”
Hartman’s casting marks the first time in years the franchise’s Bachelor wasn’t picked from the pool of prior Bachelorette contestants—but that’s not the only unique quality Hartman is bringing to the Fantasy Suite.
Below, find a play-by-play of all the X’s and O’s to know about Hartman.
What does Sam Hartman do in the NFL?
After playing college football at the University of Notre Dame, Hartman was drafted into the United Football League in 2024, playing for the Birmingham Stallions. That same year, he signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent.
Hartman has remained a member of the Commanders’ practice squad and acts as their backup quarterback. He has yet to play in a regular season NFL game.
Is Sam Hartman still on the Commanders?
Yes, Hartman is still an active player for the Commanders, although he has not yet made his NFL debut.
After his casting in The Bachelor was announced, Hartman shared that his teammates were throwing support his way—but joked he might not catch all of it.
“My teammates were giving me some advice on the plane ride back,” he explained on Good Morning America. “So, probably not going to listen to anybody on that. But no, I’m excited.”
Where is Sam Hartman from?
While Hartman will be flown around the country come hometowns, he calls Charlotte, North Carolina home.
He attended SouthLake Christian Academy in Huntersville and played three seasons of football at Davidson Day School before attending Wake Forest University prior to his transfer to Notre Dame, according to WBTV.
What has Sam Hartman said about his dating life?
After being announced at the next Bachelor, Hartman admitted he’s made more than a few fumbles when it comes to his dating life. The athlete said that charming 30 women on the upcoming season, set to air in March 2027, will be “tough.”
Similarly, Hartman’s social media profiles appear to be strictly business—as most of his posts are dedicated to football.
John Nacion/Getty Images
Is Sam Hartman the first NFL star to be The Bachelor?
No, Hartman is not the first football player to hand out roses. In fact, host and NFL alum Jesse Palmer—who has acted as franchise host since 2021—was a contestant himself during season five after playing in the NFL for five seasons.
Meanwhile, Golden Bachelor alum Mel Owens previously played for the Los Angeles Rams, while Colton Underwood similarly spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers, although he never played in a regular season NFL game.
The Bachelor season 26 star Clayton Echard also spent time with the Seattle Seahawks in 2016 for training camp.
What has Sam Hartman said about becoming the next Bachelor?
Initially, Hartman admitted he told ABC “no way” to the proposition of becoming The Bachelor franchise’s next leading man.
“The connotation of it, I was like, ‘I don’t know,’” Hartman explained on Good Morning America. “Then, I got really lucky and talked to Jesse Palmer. He kind of gave me the insight and gave me the, what it is and what it’s not.”
Ultimately, Hartman is willing to throw a spiral into the dark if it means meeting his soulmate.
“Anybody in their right mind if you get told, ‘Hey you’ve got a chance to go find the love of your life,’” Hartman continued. “I know one thing, when people are saying ‘I do’ they don’t ask you where you met, they just ask you if you want to do it forever and I don’t see any problem with that.”
Nevertheless, the quarterback admitted he was “very nervous.”
To revisit all the past Bachelor Nation-made pairs and where they are now, keep reading…
John Fleenor/Disney via Getty Images
Disney/Bahareh Ritter
Disney/Bahareh Ritter
Disney/Bahareh Ritter
Photo by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images
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Disney/Anne Marie Fox
Disney/Christopher Willard
Jenn Tran, Instagram
Greg Grippo, Instagram
Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images
John Fleenor/Disney via Getty Images
Disney/John Fleenor
ABC/Craig Sjodin
ABC/Craig Sjodin
Craig Sjodin/ABC via Getty Images
Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images
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Brandon Jones/Instagram
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ABC/Stewart Cook
Stewart Cook/ABC via Getty Images
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