Jesse Palmer may have been sacked in his attempts to be a professional football player, but the former The Bachelor fifth-season star has reportedly landed a gig in the sport he holds so close to his heart.

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ESPN announced Thursday that Palmer, a former NFL quarterback, will serve as an analyst during the upcoming college football season, USA Today reported.  Palmer will reportedly appear on ESPN's College Football Live and ESPN2's Saturday studio show throughout the fall and early winter.

"We would have hired him either way because of his passion," ESPN's Josh Krulewitz told USA Today.  "The Bachelor just added to his appeal."

The 28-year-old former quarterback -- who played his days of college ball at the University of Florida -- had stints with the NFL's New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers, as well as more recently with the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes.  In May he decided to put an end to his football playing days to pursue a broadcasting career, a goal that has now come to fruition.

Since his professional football career was as a backup, Palmer is presumably more well-known for serving as the object of affection during the Spring 2004 installment of ABC's The Bachelor

Palmer presented his final rose to Jessica Bowlin during the The Bachelor's fifth season finale in May 2004 -- but instead of proposing to the 22-year-old Californian law school student he opted to present her with a one-way ticket to join him in New York.  It probably should have been a round trip ticket since the couple announced a mutual break-up not even a month after The Bachelor's finale aired. 

In addition to The Bachelor, Palmer does have previous experience in-front of the camera.  He worked as a color commentator on Fox for two 2005 game broadcasts and the next spring, he participated in The NFL Network's coverage of the April 2006 NFL Draft.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
Christopher Rocchio is an entertainment reporter for Reality TV World and has covered the reality TV genre for several years.