Colton Scott Underwood (born January 26, 1992) is a former American football tight end. He played college football at Illinois State and was signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He was also on the practice squad for the Oakland Raiders and Philadelphia Eagles. After retiring from football, Underwood was a contestant on the 14th season of The Bachelorette, and was then announced as the titular bachelor in the 23rd season of The Bachelor.

Early life and education

Underwood was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Scott and Donna Underwood. Both of his parents were star athletes at Illinois State University, Scott played college football for the Illinois State Redbirds and Donna played volleyball. Underwood grew up in Washington, Illinois where his parents are divorced. He has a younger brother, Connor, and several half-siblings as a result of his parents' second marriages. Underwood attended Washington Community High School and Illinois State University, where he followed his father's footsteps to play college football for the Illinois State Redbirds.

Football career

On May 10, 2014, Underwood was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Diego Chargers. On August 30, 2014, he was waived. On September 3, 2014, Underwood was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. On September 9, 2014, he was released from practice squad.

On September 23, 2014, Underwood returned to the Chargers and was signed to their practice squad. On December 29, 2014, he signed a future contract. On September 5, 2015, he was waived. On September 6, 2015, he was placed on injured reserve. On September 10, 2015, he was waived from injured reserve.

On December 1, 2015, Underwood was signed to the Raiders' practice squad. On August 29, 2016, he was released by the Raiders.

Reality television

Underwood was a contestant on the 14th season of The Bachelorette, starring Becca Kufrin.

After getting eliminated in week eight after hometown dates, Underwood was cast in season five of Bachelor in Paradise. After being linked to fellow contestant Tia Booth, Underwood broke it off, and both left Paradise separately in the 4th week.

On September 4, 2018, ABC announced Underwood would star in the 23rd season of The Bachelor. The announcement received mixed reactions, with some on social media saying they would have preferred Blake Horstmann or Jason Tartick.

On September 21, 2018, ABC announced that Colton had started filming The Bachelor and had already met three of his contestants on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Philanthropy

In January 2016, Underwood founded the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation to raise money for cystic fibrosis research and medical equipment. Although not named after her, Underwood started the foundation in honor of his cousin Harper, who was diagnosed with the disease at 4 years old.

In January 2018, the foundation began the Legacy Project, with the goal of delivering Afflovests (chest wall oscillation devices which clear excess mucus from lung airways as part of the daily treatment for cystic fibrosis) to children.

Personal life

Underwood dated gymnast Aly Raisman before breaking up in 2017. He has spoken publicly about having retained his virginity, and how appearing on The Bachelorette helped him discuss the topic. He then found love on The Bachelor and chose 23 year old, Cassie Randolph. In March 2019, Colton Underwood and Cassie Randolph confirmed that they were still in a relationship following The Bachelor.

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