You probably recognize Mel Owens from his days crushing it as a linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams back in the '80s. Or, more likely, you've seen him handing out roses on season 2 of The Golden Bachelor. But honestly, while the world sees an NFL legend or a reality star, Mel just sees himself as a dad.
His life has been a wild ride. From the high-stakes world of professional football to a long career in law, and then a very public divorce after 25 years of marriage, he's been through it. Through all those "ups and downs," as Jesse Palmer put it, two people remained his absolute North Star: his sons.
The story of mel owens kids isn't just about famous offspring. It's about how two young men basically dragged their 66-year-old father into the 21st century—and eventually onto a reality TV set.
Who Are Lucas and Andre Owens?
Mel shares two sons with his ex-wife, Fabiana Pimentel. If you’re looking for drama, you won’t find it here; Mel and Fabiana have maintained a solid co-parenting relationship, even finalizing their divorce as recently as December 2024.
The boys are:
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- Lucas Owens: Born in 2005, making him about 20 years old now.
- Andre Owens: Born in 2007, currently 18.
They aren't just names in a bio. These guys are the reason Mel is even on your television screen. In fact, it was Andre who planted the seed. They were sitting on the couch watching a regular season of The Bachelor when Andre looked at his dad and said, "Yeah dad, you should be the Bachelor."
When the "Golden" version was announced, Andre doubled down. He told his dad he should be "the real one." Talk about a push.
The Baseball Legacy and the Negro Leagues Connection
Athletics aren't just a hobby in this house. They’re a heritage. While Mel was a force on the football field, mel owens kids have taken their talents to the diamond.
They inherited some serious DNA from their grandfather, Walt Owens. Walt was a legend in his own right, a Negro Leagues Hall of Famer who played for the Detroit Stars. That legacy is clearly alive and well in the younger generation.
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- Lucas played both varsity baseball and football at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. He eventually committed to Orange Coast College for baseball, though Mel has mentioned on podcasts that Lucas has dreams of playing for his dad's alma mater, the University of Michigan.
- Andre is a standout at Santa Margarita as well. He’s already committed to Oklahoma State University to play baseball.
Mel didn't just watch from the bleachers. He spent years coaching their teams and showing up for every single practice. He’s often said that coaching them was one of the greatest joys of his life. After his divorce in 2020, he leaned even harder into fatherhood, focusing his energy on being "the best father he could be."
Life at Home: TikTok, Breakfast, and Bonding
It’s easy to think of a former NFL linebacker as this tough, unapproachable guy. But at home? He's the guy making breakfast and getting schooled on social media.
Mel has been very open about the fact that his sons live primarily with him. "Every morning I get to be with them before they go to school," he told USA Today. That’s a level of closeness you don’t always see with adult children and their fathers.
They also had to help him navigate the digital age. Before the show, Mel wasn't exactly a social media maven. His boys were the ones who got him on TikTok and Instagram. He joked that a couple of months before filming, he had about four followers. Now? He's a household name.
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What Really Matters to the Owens Boys
When the official Golden Bachelor Instagram shared a video of the three of them, you could see the bond. It’s not forced. Lucas told his dad that the show was a "good opportunity for you to put yourself out there." Andre added, "We hope you find someone you truly love."
It’s clear the boys want their dad to be happy. They saw him through a 25-year marriage that eventually ended, and they’ve stayed by his side through the aftermath.
Key takeaways regarding Mel's family:
- Primary Residence: The boys have lived mostly with Mel in California following the split.
- Support System: They were his "social media consultants" and his biggest cheerleaders for the show.
- Future Goals: Both are pursuing high-level college baseball careers, continuing the Owens athletic tradition.
Honestly, the way Mel talks about his kids tells you everything you need to know about him. He gushed to producers, saying, "There's nothing like it when you have kids. There's a whole new meaning to love."
Whether he finds a wife on national television or not, it seems like he's already won in the family department.
If you’re following Mel’s journey, keep an eye on his social media. He often shares updates on the boys’ games and milestone moments. Following the Santa Margarita Catholic High School baseball schedule is actually a great way to see the "real" world Mel lives in when the cameras aren't rolling. You can also look up Walt Owens' history in the Negro Leagues to appreciate the deep athletic roots Lucas and Andre are growing from.