The leading man for “The Bachelor” season 30 has officially been announced! According to People, the franchise is once again taking a chance on someone unfamiliar with Bachelor Nation, with NFL quarterback Sam Hartman selected to hand out roses and potentially find his wife in the milestone season.
Hartman, who played college football at Notre Dame, signed with the Washington Commanders as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and spent most of his first two seasons on the practice squad. In August, the team waived him during roster cuts, but he returned to the practice squad the next day, according to The Football Database.
NFL Quarterback Sam Hartman is ‘The Bachelor’ for Season 30
For its milestone 30th season, “The Bachelor” franchise has selected NFL quarterback Sam Hartman as its leading man. The news that the 27-year-old professional athlete will be handing out roses for the new season was announced on Friday, November 13, during a live appearance on “Good Morning America.” Hartman, whose Washington Commanders defeated the New York Giants 24-21 just the night before, was in the studio, admitting that he was “very nervous” to take on the new role as leading man.
“[I’m] very nervous,” he said on the morning show. “I have a tough time holding a conversation with one girl; 30 is gonna be pretty tough.”
Interestingly, Hartman said that he wasn’t initially sold on the idea, admitting that he didn’t know if the opportunity was the right fit for him. “At first I was like, ‘No way.’ “I just think the connotation of it, I was like, ‘I don’t know.’”
However, after speaking with his family and even the show’s host, Jesse Palmer, a former NFL player who was a lead on “The Bachelor” season 5, he felt more relaxed and agreed to do the show. “They’re excited,” Hartman said about his parents learning of his new role. “My mom and I have a really cool relationship, and my pops is supportive. Their big thing is just be myself and enjoy the experience and trust your instincts, trust your gut. That’s what’s gotten you so far.”
Hartman Shares What He’s Looking For in a Relationship
During his “Good Morning America” appearance, Hartman shared what he was looking for in a partner, revealing that “competitiveness” is one of the qualities he finds most attractive. However, he clarified that he isn’t looking for someone to play hard to get, but rather a woman who is passionate about something and continues to pursue her dreams.
Another quality he is also looking for in a partner is compassion, something he has learned from his family. According to People, his father is an orthopedic spine surgeon, and his mother works as a labor and delivery nurse, giving him an appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
The new season of “The Bachelor” will premiere on March 21, 2027.
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