You’ve seen him handing out roses on ABC, looking remarkably fit for a guy who spent a decade crashing into 250-pound running backs. But the question keeps popping up in group chats and across social media: how old is Mel Owens, exactly?
It’s a fair question. The "Golden" franchise is all about second chances in the later stages of life, yet Mel carries himself with an energy that keeps people guessing.
Mel Owens is 67 years old.
He was born on December 7, 1958. If you’re doing the math, he just hit that 67-mark late in 2025. He’s a Sagittarius, which honestly explains a lot about his adventurous spirit and why he was willing to put his heart on national television at an age when most people are just trying to figure out their Medicare paperwork.
Why Everyone Is Searching for Mel Owens' Age
People aren't just curious about the number. They're curious because the guy looks like he could still suit up for the Rams.
When he was announced as the second Golden Bachelor, following in the footsteps of Gerry Turner, the internet did a collective double-take. Gerry was 72 when his season aired. Mel is roughly half a decade younger, and that gap—combined with his background as a pro athlete—gives the season a totally different vibe.
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He isn't just "well-preserved." He’s a powerhouse.
From the Gridiron to the Rose Garden
To understand why Mel is the way he is at 67, you have to look at where he started. This isn't just some guy from the suburbs; he was an elite athlete.
- The Detroit Roots: Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mel grew up in a household where sports were a way of life. His father, Walter Owens, actually played for the Detroit Stars in the Negro American League.
- The Michigan Legend: He went to the University of Michigan, where he became a standout linebacker.
- The NFL Years: In 1981, the Los Angeles Rams took him as the 9th overall pick in the NFL Draft. He didn't just play a season or two; he lasted nine years in the league, which is an eternity for a linebacker.
He retired from the NFL in 1989. While most guys would have just opened a car dealership and called it a day, Mel took a different route. He went to law school. Specifically, he earned his JD from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Today, he’s a partner at a law firm in Laguna Hills, California. He specializes in workers' compensation for professional athletes. Basically, he spends his days helping other players navigate the same kinds of injuries he dealt with during his career.
The Controversy That Followed Him
You might remember the "dating age" drama that hit the tabloids right before his season premiered.
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Despite being 66 at the time of filming, Mel had previously made comments on a podcast (specifically with Jon Jansen) suggesting he wasn't interested in dating women over 60. He mentioned his "sweet spot" was more in the 45 to 60 range.
Understandably, Bachelor fans lost their minds. "How can you be the Golden Bachelor if you won't date women your own age?" was the general sentiment.
He eventually walked those comments back, explaining that he was new to the whole "senior dating" world and didn't realize the depth of the women he’d be meeting. By the time he was filming, he seemed to have a change of heart, especially when he met contestants like Peg Munson and Cindy, who definitely didn't fit his "under 60" previous preference.
Life After the Cameras
Mel’s personal life hasn't been a straight line. He was married to Fabiana Pimentel for 25 years. They have two sons, Lucas and Andre, both of whom are high-level baseball players.
The divorce was finalized in late 2024, which is a big part of why he felt ready for the show. 25 years is a long time to be with one person, and transitioning to being a 67-year-old single man in Southern California is no joke.
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If you're wondering how he stays so young, it's likely a mix of those Michigan genes and the fact that he's constantly active with his kids.
What You Should Know If You're Following His Journey
Whether you're a die-hard member of Bachelor Nation or just someone who remembers him from his days wearing #58 for the Rams, Mel Owens represents a weirdly specific modern archetype: the high-achieving "Silver Fox" who refuses to slow down.
Here is the breakdown of the facts:
- Current Age: 67 (as of late 2025).
- Birth Date: December 7, 1958.
- Location: Laguna Hills, CA.
- Career: Former NFL Linebacker / Current Sports Lawyer.
The most interesting thing about Mel isn't actually the number on his birth certificate. It’s the fact that he has lived three distinct lives—pro athlete, high-powered attorney, and reality TV star—all before hitting 70.
If you're looking to keep up with his current relationship status or his law practice, your best bet is following his Instagram or checking the latest ABC press releases, as his post-show life is still unfolding. Just don't expect him to act like a typical retiree; he's clearly got a lot more than 60 minutes left on the clock.