After a two-year hiatus, "The Bachelor" has found the apple of its eye for its upcoming season: Sam Hartman.
On Friday, the hit reality dating show announced that the Washington Commanders backup quarterback will be the lead of its milestone 30th season. The premise of the show is Hartman finding love, with the goal of a marriage proposal by the finale.
But if the contestants want Hartman's heart, they might have to know ball a bit.
Meet Sam Hartman, your new Bachelor. 🌹 Don't miss the season premiere of #TheBachelor March 21 on ABC. Stream on Hulu. https://t.co/MbUwN7jqiE
— The Bachelor (@BachelorABC) November 13, 2026
Hartman, 27, went undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft before the Commanders signed the former Notre Dame and Wake Forest standout to their practice squad after selecting Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick in that draft.
The Charlotte, North Carolina, native spent five seasons at Wake Forest (2018-22) and transferred to Notre Dame ahead of the 2023 season.
He averaged 8.2 yards per pass attempt, threw for 15,656 passing yards and 134 touchdowns, and completed 59.8% of his passes during his collegiate career.
Athletes being featured in "The Bachelor" franchise is nothing new, though. On the 29th season of the dating show, Grant Ellis -- who played college basketball at Iona and Southern -- held the titular role. The show also counts a list of former NFL players as alumni, including Mel Owens, Jesse Palmer, Colton Underwood and Clay Harbor.
Jordan Rodgers, Josh Murray, Dale Moss and Matt James, who played for Wake Forest like Hartman, are other former college football players who have been featured in the franchise.
The season is slated to premiere in March on ABC.