Get To Know New ‘Bachelor’ Matt James

ByJamie Colclasure
'The Bachelor' Matt James via Instagram

There’s a new Bachelor in town. Matt James was named as the first African-American male lead in franchise history. The surprise announcement came Friday morning on Good Morning America. Matt’s own mom didn’t even know until the big reveal! He said he had to keep it from her because she can’t keep a secret. The reaction for Matt has been wonderful. Fans are excited to watch his journey to find love. So, let’s take a minute to find out who Matt is and what he is looking for.

Get to know Matt James

Matt is the best friend and roommate of Tyler Cameron. The two are always together and even quarantining together in Florida. They started the Quarantine Crew and fans love watching them make videos. Many fans know Matt through Tyler and social media. In fact, it was Tyler’s late mother, Andrea, who nominated Matt for The Bachelorette.  For those who do not know much about the new leading man, let’s take a look.

Matt was originally supposed to be a contestant on Clare Crawley’s Season of The Bachelorette. With filming on hold, producers were able to get to know Matt better. They decided he’s a perfect fit for The Bachelor 2021.

The official page for The Bachelor says Matt is a real estate broker, entrepreneur and community organization founder. He is 28 and originally from North Carolina.  Matt graduated from Wake Forest University, where his major was in economics. He played football as a wide receiver. Matt even went on to play professional football, before moving to New York City.  Matt has a love of food and passion for giving back. This all led to him creating an organization that engages kids from underserved communities in New York City. The organization encourages physical and mental wellness.

Matt also started ABC Food Tours, an organization which provides culinary experiences to underserved elementary school students.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBVbeVJg3U3/

Other fun facts about the new Bachelor

Entertainment Tonight also shared details about the 2021 lead. Matt is very proud to be the first Black Bachelor. While speaking on Good Morning America he said, “When Rachel [Lindsay] speaks, we listen. She has a very important voice in all this, being the first black woman, person of color to be a lead, and … this is hopefully the first of many black men to be in the position I’m at now.” He went on to say, “It’s an honor. I’m just going to lean into myself and how my mom raised me, and hopefully when people invite me into their homes on Monday night… they see that diverse love stories are beautiful.”

Matt chose to live in New York City because of everything it had to offer. He said, “You have no choice but to be inclusive. The thing about NYC, regardless of your culture, religion, gender, etc. if you’re competent and work hard then you will succeed!” He continued, “You aren’t discriminated against (like some parts of the country) as NYC is a melting pot like no other city.”

Before moving to New York City, he was in the NFL. Matt gave himself a year to make it then vowed he would go in a different direction if he must. He was with the Carolina Panthers but they cut him. He was then called back to the New Orleans Saints, but also cut by them. Then, he moved to Pittsburgh for awhile to work for a bank.

What is Matt looking for?

Matt is looking for a woman who is compassionate, selfless and caring. He stated he believes this comes in all shapes, sizes and races of women. He is hoping to see many diverse women stepping out of the limo when he meets them.

Matt sounds very genuine and has strong family values.  Fans already can’t wait to see him take the leads as the new Bachelor. Stay tuned for more details as they emerge.

The Bachelor featuring Matt James will premiere in 2021.

 

 

Jamie Colclasure
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