The upcoming star of the "Golden Bachelor," retired NFL player Mel Owens, submitted a specific request to producers ahead of filming the reality dating show - he wanted to date younger women.
Anybody over the age of 60 wasn't going to be a match for him.
On the June 4 episode of the "MGoBlue Podcast," Owens revealed that he told producers he wanted to date ladies between the ages of 45 and 60 when asked about his age preference in women.
The 66-year-old University of Michigan alum, who was a linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams between 1981 and 1989, recalled telling an executive producer during a lunch, "You know, if they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them."
The producer clearly wasn't thrilled with the comment, as Owens said the producer responded, "Mel, you can't."
"'This is not 'The Silver Bachelor'. This is the 'Golden Bachelor. But they're going to be hot. Don't worry about it,'" Owens recalled being told.
Why 'Golden Bachelor' fans are angry over Owens' request
Ever since his comments went viral, fans of the ABC series have criticized Owens for asking producers to set him up with ladies 10-20 years younger than him.
One angry viewer responded to the Instagram post introducing him as the Season 2 lead, commenting, "Is he a 66-year-old bachelor looking for a 35-year-old single woman?"
Another person commented, "Too bad he’s not looking for a woman over 60 ☹️. I think for all the golden women who watch this show that’s a real slap in the face. I for one won’t be watching."
Someone else wrote, "Based on his podcast interview I won’t be watching or supporting. We need to stop supporting men who think they’re so great that they won’t date women their own age. This dude needs to go back home."
A fourth person said, "Too bad he's a walking red flag before the season even started. Do better @abc."
New Golden Bachelor Mel Owens (66) says he only wanted 45-60 year old contestants on his upcoming season, cutting anyone over 60.
— Rosé (@TeaAndRoses21) June 26, 2025
“Try to stay away from the artificial hips, wigs, that kind of stuff.”
🎥: claireandemmapod pic.twitter.com/XXc15Z3LWU
Mel Owens wants to find a woman 'in shape' who likes to 'have fun'
Ultimately, Owens said he had "no say" in who was chosen to star in his season of the reality dating show.
He did, however, get to submit a few other requests regarding what he's looking for in a partner.
"They asked me what is my profile. Well, [the ladies] got to be fit, because I'm staying in shape and work out and stuff. And I told them, 'Try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs.' You know that kind of stuff, right," he said.
The former football player said he's hoping to find a "lifetime learner" who likes to "stay fit, eat, have fun, be energetic, and live life."
Season 2 of the "Golden Bachelor" is scheduled to begin filming this month and wrap up sometime in August. It's expected to air this fall, although a premiere date hasn't been set yet.
Owens was named the second-ever lead of the reality dating show back in April.
Indiana retiree Gerry Turner, 72, was the star of the first season.
Turner famously wound up picking Theresa Nist as the winner on his season. The couple married in a televised ceremony on ABC shortly after their season wrapped; however, they split several months later.