Meet the new ‘Bachelor,’ a quarterback for the Washington Commanders

ABC has named Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman as the lead for the 30th season of “The Bachelor”, returning the franchise to a familiar source of contestants after a difficult period. The choice is notable because Hartman has no regular-season NFL appearances, while the dating shows have not aired since “Bachelor in Paradise” in summer 2025.

The 27-year-old is on the Commanders’ practice squad and previously played college football at Wake Forest and Notre Dame. The new season is due to premiere on 21 March; Hartman said he was initially reluctant, but changed his mind after speaking with host Jesse Palmer, a former Bachelor lead and NFL quarterback. ABC’s previous attempt to cast a star from another reality series as lead ended with “The Bachelorette” season being cancelled amid domestic abuse allegations.