Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman has been officially named the next star of ABC’s long-running reality dating franchise, according to reports from USA Today.
The 27-year-old athlete, who has spent much of his professional career on the Washington practice squad, will become the second active NFL player to hold the title of The Bachelor, as noted by Yahoo Sports.
Hartman shared his feelings about the upcoming transition during a recent appearance on Good Morning America.
He expressed a mix of emotions regarding his participation in the show, which involves dating 30 women on national television, stating, “I’m excited but also very nervous.”
The former Notre Dame quarterback sought guidance from Jesse Palmer, a former NFL player and current host of the program who previously served as the franchise’s lead in 2004.
Palmer, who played for the New York Giants during his tenure on the series, provided the necessary context for the role, as reported by USA Today.
Hartman credited the veteran host for helping him understand the unique challenges of the reality show.
He noted, “He kind of gave me the insight, what it is, what it’s not.”
While Palmer appeared in eight NFL games during his career, he did not continue playing professionally after his time on the show concluded.
In contrast, Hartman has remained focused on his football career, primarily operating within the Commanders’ practice squad structure over the past three seasons, according to the Indianapolis Star.
The announcement of his casting was made official this past Friday.
Fans of both the NFL and the reality series are now looking forward to seeing how the quarterback balances his professional athletic responsibilities with his search for a romantic partner on the upcoming season.