While attending Illinois State University, "The Bachelor" Colton Underwood followed his father's footsteps and joined the school's D1 football team. Underwood played as a linebacker and tight end for The Firebirds, which ultimately earned him the All-American title two times, but his subsequent NFL career wouldn't last.

Over the course of two years, Underwood signed with the San Diego Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Oakland Raiders practice squads. His career officially ended in 2016 after the Raiders released him from his contract; Underwood told Players Trust that he was forced to retire due to an undisclosed injury.

Underwood became best known for his stints on multiple "Bachelor" series, and in 2021, he came out as gay during an interview on "Good Morning America." Underwood revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic helped him face his sexuality, and he's now together with political strategist Jordan C. Brown.