From Football Fields to Fatherhood: The Evolution of Colton Underwood
Colton Underwood has transformed from a defensive end on NFL practice squads to one of the most talked-about figures in reality television and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Born January 26, 1992, this 32-year-old has steerd a remarkable journey of self-findy in the public eye.
Quick Facts About Colton Underwood:
- Football Career: Played defensive end at Illinois State, signed with San Diego Chargers (2014)
- Reality TV: Contestant on The Bachelorette (2018), lead of The Bachelor Season 23 (2019)
- Coming Out: Publicly came out as gay on Good Morning America (April 14, 2021)
- Personal Life: Married Jordan C. Brown (May 13, 2023), welcomed son Bishop (September 26, 2024)
- Current Work: Hosts Are You My First?, launched production company, advocates for college athlete mental health
What makes Underwood’s story particularly compelling isn’t just his career pivot from sports to entertainment. It’s his courage to rewrite his narrative entirely – from the “Virgin Bachelor” to an openly gay father and producer creating meaningful content.
His journey from small-town Illinois to the bright lights of reality TV, and now to building a family and production company, reflects the kind of authentic reinvention that resonates with sophisticated audiences. Particularly in New York City’s dynamic media landscape, where authenticity and evolution are valued currencies.
As someone who has covered high-profile changes throughout my four decades in public relations and media, I’ve witnessed few journeys as publicly vulnerable yet ultimately triumphant as Colton Underwood’s. Having worked with cultural figures navigating complex personal revelations, I understand the delicate balance between public persona and private truth that Underwood has mastered.
1. His Path to Coming Out Was Marked by Courage and Taking Control
When Colton Underwood sat across from Robin Roberts on Good Morning America that April morning in 2021, he wasn’t just sharing news – he was reclaiming his story. “I’m gay,” he said simply, but those two words carried the weight of years of internal struggle and public scrutiny.
The man America knew as the “Virgin Bachelor” had been carrying a secret that felt impossible to bear. Growing up in conservative Illinois and raised Catholic, Colton had internalized messages that “gay is a sin” and that football players couldn’t be gay. The hyper-masculine world of the NFL didn’t leave room for questioning, so he buried his truth deeper.
The real story behind his coming out reveals just how much courage it took to get to that television moment. Behind the scenes, Colton had been quietly exploring his identity – using dating apps under aliases and visiting gay spaces while desperately trying to maintain his public image. But his private world and public persona were on a collision course.
The catalyst came in the form of blackmail. After visiting a gay spa, someone allegedly took nude photos and sent an anonymous email threatening to expose him. In a moment of panic, he forwarded the email to his publicist – a decision that would ultimately force him to confront his truth. As he later told The Los Angeles Times, being blackmailed pushed him to take control of his own narrative rather than let someone else write it.
Facing these personal challenges wasn’t just about his sexuality. Colton has been open about experiencing a mental health breakdown and even a suicide attempt during this period. His internal turmoil also led to troubling behavior toward his ex-girlfriend Cassie Randolph, resulting in a restraining order that was later dropped. He’s since apologized publicly, acknowledging that his actions came from a place of deep personal struggle.
Taking control of his narrative meant more than just coming out – it meant owning his mistakes and using his platform responsibly. His Netflix series Coming Out Colton sparked important conversations, even if it faced criticism for focusing on his privileged perspective rather than broader LGBTQ+ experiences.
The public reaction was mixed but ultimately transformative. In New York City’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community, his story generated both celebration and debate. Some questioned whether he deserved praise for coming out after problematic behavior, while others saw his honesty as a step forward for representation in mainstream media.
What makes Colton Underwood’s journey remarkable isn’t perfection – it’s his willingness to be publicly vulnerable about his flaws while working to do better. From a man who “ran from himself for a long time” to someone building an authentic life with his husband Jordan, his evolution shows that taking control of your narrative, even when it’s messy, can lead to genuine change.
2. Beyond ‘The Bachelor’: Colton Underwood’s Philanthropic and Production Goals
Colton Underwood’s story doesn’t end with reality TV fame. In fact, some of his most meaningful work has happened away from the cameras, where he’s built a foundation for change and launched ambitious new projects that reflect his authentic self.
His Long-Standing Legacy Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis
Years before Colton Underwood became a household name, he was already making a difference. In 2015, he founded the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation after watching his young cousin Harper battle cystic fibrosis. The diagnosis came when Harper was just six years old, and it changed everything for their family.
What started as a personal mission became something much bigger. The Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation focuses on raising funds for cystic fibrosis research and providing life-changing equipment to patients who need it most. One of their most impactful initiatives involves providing AffloVests – specialized airway clearance therapy devices that help CF patients breathe easier.
The foundation set an ambitious goal: delivering 50 AffloVests to patients across all 50 states. It’s the kind of grassroots advocacy that makes a real difference in people’s daily lives. More about the foundation’s work shows just how far-reaching their impact has become.
Even now, with his busy schedule as a new father and producer, Colton Underwood continues championing health causes. The foundation has organized fundraising events nationwide, including gatherings in New York City, where the philanthropic community understands the power of turning personal challenges into public good.
From Reality Star to Producer in New York City
Colton Underwood and his husband Jordan C. Brown have launched something special together: As Best Friends Productions. This isn’t just another celebrity production company – it’s a platform for creating content that actually matters.
Their flagship project is a feature documentary about college athlete mental health. Having lived through the pressures of competitive sports himself, Colton Underwood knows how isolating that world can be. He’s become a vocal advocate for the TEAMS Act, legislation designed to improve suicide prevention and mental health services for college athletes.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. With NIL deals now allowing college athletes to earn significant money, the pressure has only intensified. Colton Underwood has taken his advocacy all the way to Washington D.C., meeting with Congress members to push for better support systems.
But he’s not stopping at documentaries. The production company is developing new reality shows with a twist – any cast member who appears on their shows will receive therapy for a full year afterward, even if Underwood has to pay for it himself. It’s a approach that shows he’s learned from his own difficult experiences in reality TV.
Currently, he co-hosts Are You My First? with Kaitlyn Bristowe, guiding 21 eligible virgins through their journey of self-findy. The show creates an unusually open environment where both hosts share their own “first time” experiences. Colton Underwood has even joked about adding lie detector tests to verify contestants’ claims – classic reality TV drama with a purpose.
His future entertainment projects include a dream to compete on Dancing with the Stars with a same-sex pairing. He’s specifically hoping to dance with Mark Ballas, whom he met while competing on The Traitors. Despite admitting to having “tight hips,” he’s confident his strength will make up for it.
In New York City’s competitive media landscape, Colton Underwood’s approach to strategic planning for impactful storytelling sets him apart. He’s not just creating content – he’s using his platform to address real issues while building a sustainable production business. It’s exactly the kind of authentic reinvention that resonates in a city that values both entertainment and substance.
3. The Unexpected Twists in His Personal and Family Life
Colton Underwood’s personal life has unfolded like a beautiful, complex story – one filled with challenges that ultimately led to his greatest joys. From facing unexpected fertility problems to finding the depth of his family’s love, his journey to fatherhood and family acceptance reveals the most authentic side of this former reality star.
A Difficult Journey to Fatherhood for Colton Underwood
Credit : Colton Underwood/Instagram
The dream of becoming a father had always burned bright for Colton Underwood – so much so that he admits it kept him in the closet longer than he wanted. “I thought if I came out, I’d never be able to have kids,” he reflects. But life had other plans, and his path to parenthood would test him in ways he never expected.
When Colton Underwood and his husband Jordan C. Brown decided to start their family, they encountered a shocking roadblock. In a refreshingly honest Men’s Health interview, Colton shared the devastating news from his doctor: “I had four… Four sperm. And three of them are dead.”
The diagnosis hit like a thunderbolt. Here was a former NFL player, someone who had always taken pride in his physical health, learning that his body couldn’t do what he’d always assumed it could. He dubbed the moment “Spermageddon” – because sometimes humor is the only way to process life’s cruelest ironies.
Ironically, his healthy lifestyle may have worked against him. All those post-workout saunas and hot tub sessions that seemed so beneficial? They were actually exposing his testicles to heat levels that damaged sperm production. Meanwhile, Jordan’s sperm count was a robust 50-55 million – a stark contrast that added another layer of complexity to their journey.
The couple threw themselves into the surrogacy process with determination and hope. They worked with a concierge service to find an egg donor, navigating what Colton playfully called “extreme Tinder” – detailed profiles of potential donors that would help create their future child.
In a moment that felt like destiny, Colton Underwood actually bumped into their chosen egg donor in an elevator at his doctor’s office in New York City. “It was this beautiful, serendipitous moment,” he remembers. “We knew we were meant to work together.”
On September 26, 2024, their world changed forever. Bishop Colton Brown-Underwood arrived, and with him came a love neither man had fully prepared for. “Our world is a million times better with you in it,” Colton shared on Instagram, his joy radiating through every word.
What surprises Colton Underwood most about fatherhood is how natural it feels. Despite all his worries and the complicated journey to get there, he’s acceptd every moment – from diaper changes to sleepless nights. The couple is committed to radical honesty with Bishop about his origin story, planning to celebrate the “incredible women that helped bring him into this world.”
Raising their son in New York City, they’re quietly revolutionizing what family looks like, one bedtime story at a time.
A Conservative Family’s Unwavering Support
The relationship between Colton Underwood and his family, particularly his father, tells a story that defies easy political categories. Growing up in a conservative, Catholic household in Illinois, Colton learned early that his truth might not be welcomed with open arms.
His father, a Republican with traditional values, had actually suspected Colton might be gay since high school. The signs were there – the way his son interacted with friends, certain mannerisms, small moments that only a parent would notice. But in their world, these suspicions remained unspoken.
When Colton Underwood finally came out publicly on Good Morning America, his father’s reaction was complex. While he felt immense pride in his son’s courage, he admitted he would have preferred a private family conversation over a national television moment. “I wish you had come to us first,” he told Colton, not out of shame, but out of a father’s desire to protect and support his child.
What followed, however, has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite his conservative background and political beliefs, Colton’s father has become one of his most vocal supporters. He speaks with genuine pride about having a gay son, challenging every stereotype about conservative families and LGBTQ+ acceptance.
This change didn’t happen overnight. It required honest conversations, patience, and a willingness from both sides to see beyond political labels to the love that binds families together. Colton Underwood’s father now champions his son’s happiness, celebrates his marriage to Jordan, and absolutely adores his grandson Bishop.
The family’s journey proves that love transcends politics. In a time when families are often divided by ideological differences, the Underwoods show that acceptance and growth are possible when relationships are built on genuine care rather than rigid beliefs.
Their story resonates particularly well in diverse communities like New York City, where families of all backgrounds steer the balance between tradition and progress, proving that authentic love always finds a way to flourish.
4. What’s Next for His Career in Entertainment?
Colton Underwood’s entertainment career has taken on new dimensions, changing from reality TV contestant to content creator and advocate. Having spent considerable time in New York City’s media circles, I’ve watched him strategically build a diverse portfolio that goes far beyond his Bachelor days.
His current hosting role on Are You My First? alongside Kaitlyn Bristowe showcases his evolution as a television personality. The show, which guides virgin contestants through relationship journeys, feels particularly meaningful given his own experiences with vulnerability on national television. What’s refreshing is how Colton Underwood brings genuine empathy to the role, having walked a similar path himself.
His competitive spirit found another outlet on Season 4 of The Traitors, where he demonstrated the strategic thinking that likely served him well in football. More recently, he surprised audiences by appearing on The Masked Singer as “Lovebird” in Season 11. Interestingly, he initially declined the opportunity because he wasn’t in the right mental space after coming out, but later acceptd the challenge – a decision that speaks to his growth and resilience.
One of his most anticipated future projects involves Dancing with the Stars. Colton Underwood has openly expressed his desire to compete, specifically hoping for a same-sex partnership with Mark Ballas, whom he met during The Traitors. He jokes about having “tight hips” but makes up for it in strength. Given DWTS‘s history of groundbreaking inclusive pairings, this could be a significant moment for both the show and for LGBTQ+ representation.
Behind the scenes, his production company As Best Friends Productions represents his most ambitious venture yet. Rather than just appearing on shows, he’s creating them. The company is developing a feature documentary focused on college athlete mental health – a cause close to his heart given his advocacy for the TEAMS Act. He’s also working on a new reality dating show, though notably not a gay dating show, calling it a “full circle moment” in his career.
What sets Colton Underwood apart in his production work is his commitment to contestant welfare. He’s determined to provide therapy for cast members for a full year after filming, even if he has to pay for it himself. This reflects hard-won wisdom from his own reality TV experiences.
His podcasting venture adds another dimension to his media presence. He’s planning to co-host the second season of “Daddyhood,” discussing pop culture and parenting from his unique perspective as a new father in New York City.
The trajectory looks promising because Colton Underwood is actively shaping his narrative rather than letting others define it. His goal to “put his stamp” on Hollywood by creating meaningful, authentic content aligns perfectly with New York City’s innovative creative landscape. He’s passionate about diverse storytelling and amplifying voices that need to be heard – a mission that resonates deeply in our city’s media community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Colton Underwood
Is Colton Underwood married?
Yes, Colton Underwood is happily married to Jordan C. Brown, a political strategist who has become an integral part of his journey. The couple tied the knot on May 13, 2023, in a stunning ceremony in Napa Valley that marked a beautiful new chapter in both their lives.
Their love story has blossomed into parenthood in the most wonderful way. On September 26, 2024, they welcomed their first child, a son named Bishop Colton Brown-Underwood, through surrogacy. The couple has been refreshingly open about their fertility journey, sharing both the challenges and joys with their followers.
Now settled in New York City, Colton Underwood and Jordan are navigating the exciting world of new parenthood while building their production company together. Their partnership extends beyond marriage into their professional lives, showing how they’ve created a truly integrated life together.
Why was Colton Underwood called the ‘virgin Bachelor’?
The “virgin Bachelor” nickname became Colton Underwood’s defining characteristic during his reality TV journey, though it now seems like a lifetime ago given everything that’s happened since. During his appearance on The Bachelorette Season 14 with Becca Kufrin, he was candid about his virginity, which immediately caught producers’ attention.
When he became the lead of The Bachelor Season 23, this storyline became the central focus of his season. The show’s marketing heavily promoted this angle, with promos comparing him to “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and making his inexperience a constant talking point.
Looking back, this narrative feels particularly poignant knowing what we now understand about Colton Underwood’s internal struggles with his identity. His virginity wasn’t just a quirky reality TV storyline – it was connected to his deeper journey of self-findy that he was still navigating at the time.
What happened between Colton Underwood and Cassie Randolph?
The relationship between Colton Underwood and Cassie Randolph represents one of the most complicated chapters in his story. Their Bachelor romance began with the famous fence jump – literally one of the most dramatic moments in the show’s history – when Colton pursued Cassie after she tried to leave.
After the show, they dated for about a year and a half before breaking up in May 2020. What followed was a difficult period that Colton Underwood has since acknowledged as one of his darkest times.
In September 2020, Cassie filed a restraining order against him, alleging stalking and harassment. The allegations included claims that he had planted a tracking device on her car and was sending anonymous text messages. These were serious accusations that painted a troubling picture of his behavior after their breakup.
The restraining order was dropped in November 2020, but Colton Underwood has been forthright about taking responsibility for his actions during that period. He’s publicly apologized, describing his behavior as “controlling” and acknowledging he was in a “dark place” while struggling with his identity and mental health.
This period preceded his coming out, and he’s been open about how his internal turmoil and unaddressed issues contributed to his poor choices. It’s a reminder that his journey to authenticity wasn’t just about finding love – it was about confronting some very real personal demons along the way.
Conclusion
Colton Underwood’s story is a powerful example of public evolution, from a figure defined by football and reality TV to a man shaping his own narrative as a husband, father, and advocate. His journey highlights the complexities of identity and the courage to live authentically, particularly in a city like New York where reinvention is part of the cultural fabric.
We’ve watched him steer profound personal challenges with remarkable grace. From hidden sexuality and mental health struggles to the unexpected problems of male infertility, he’s transformed each obstacle into an opportunity for growth and advocacy. His willingness to share these intimate struggles – whether discussing his four-sperm diagnosis or his journey through surrogacy – has created genuine connections with audiences who see their own challenges reflected in his story.
What strikes us most about Colton Underwood’s evolution is his commitment to authentic storytelling. As he transitions into producing with his company As Best Friends Productions, he’s not just creating content – he’s crafting narratives that matter. His focus on college athlete mental health and his insistence on providing therapy for reality show contestants demonstrates a man who’s learned from his experiences and wants to protect others from similar struggles.
His journey from the “Virgin Bachelor” to an openly gay father raising his son Bishop in New York City represents more than personal growth. It’s a testament to the power of taking control of your own narrative, even when external pressures – including blackmail attempts – threaten to define you. His advocacy work through the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation and his push for the TEAMS Act show how personal pain can fuel meaningful change.
In New York’s dynamic media landscape, where authenticity and evolution are valued currencies, Colton Underwood has positioned himself as both creator and advocate. His story reminds us that the most compelling narratives often come from the courage to be vulnerable in public spaces.
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