Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Hartman is stepping into a new spotlight away from the football field. ABC has named the 27-year-old the lead of the milestone 30th season of *The Bachelor*, a casting announcement that drew reactions from football figures, television personalities, and fans.
The show will follow Hartman as he meets a group of contestants hoping to build a relationship with him. Each week, he will decide whom to send home, with the final contestant remaining expected to receive a marriage proposal from him.
The new role gives Hartman a high-profile opportunity outside football. He went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed with Washington’s practice squad. Since then, he has moved between the practice squad and the active roster. He has not yet played in a regular-season NFL game.
The season is scheduled to premiere March 21 on ABC, with episodes also available to stream on Hulu. Hartman will have to prepare for the show during the offseason while continuing to pursue playing time in the NFL.
## Hartman admits he is nervous about dating on television
Hartman spoke about the casting on *Good Morning America*, describing himself as excited but apprehensive about meeting so many potential partners at once.
“I’m excited but also very nervous,” he said. “I have a tough time holding conversation with one girl. 30 is going to be pretty tough.”
He also explained that he initially had reservations about trying to find love on a television show. Former NFL quarterback Jesse Palmer, who now hosts *The Bachelor* and *The Bachelorette*, helped him understand what to expect and encouraged him to consider the opportunity.
Hartman said Palmer gave him insight into the experience and what the show is—and is not. He added that he was comfortable with the idea of meeting a future partner on television, saying that when people decide to get married, they are not asked where they met; they are asked whether they want to spend their lives together.
Palmer is not the first former NFL player to lead the franchise. Mel Owens, Colton Underwood, and Clay Harbor have also appeared as leads. Several former Wake Forest players have been part of the show as well, including Jordan Rodgers, Josh Murray, Dale Moss, and Matt James.
## What Hartman hopes to find in a partner
Hartman has described some of the qualities he hopes to find in a relationship. He is looking for someone with a lively personality and a competitive side—someone with a personal drive that motivates him.
He also values kindness and a willingness to care for others. Hartman said that many members of his family work in medicine, and watching them devote themselves to helping people has shaped what he appreciates in a partner.
“My whole family is in the medicine field,” he said. “There’s a part of me that, seeing them do so much for other people, I think that’s a huge part.”
## Reactions from football and entertainment figures
The announcement quickly prompted comments from people connected to Hartman and the wider sports world. Regina Jackson, the mother of Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels and an NFL agent, responded to the casting post with, “They knew the assignment,” adding fire emojis.
Daniels also reacted, posting a GIF of a child dancing as others followed along.
Media personality Kay Adams said Hartman’s casting was something she had predicted. “Ummm @sam_hartman10 i literally called this 2 years ago you’re welcome! good luck!” she wrote.
Palmer joined the conversation with a joking comment: “I just wish he was better looking…”
Fans also weighed in. One person expressed surprise that the show had managed to cast an NFL player, while another joked that the announcement had come too late, saying, “You waited until after I got married to pull this?”
Hartman’s move from the football roster to the center of a national dating show marks a notable change of scene. He will continue working toward an NFL opportunity while preparing for a season built around meeting contestants and deciding whether one of those relationships could lead to marriage. With reactions already coming from teammates, television figures, and fans, his season has attracted attention well before its March premiere.
