‘The Bachelor’: Why Colton Underwood Doesn’t Play Football Anymore
Colton Underwood started out as a frontrunner on Becca Kufrin’s season of The Bachelorette. That’s because he’s handsome, has a football past, and seemed to be looking for love. It didn’t work out for him that season, but he’s back as The Bachelor. So fans are probably wondering why Colton Underwood doesn’t play football anymore. Here is everything you need to know.
Colton Underwood played for the Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders
The reality star comes from a very dedicated football family. His name is inspired by his hometown’s professional football team: the Indianapolis Colts. So it’s probably not surprising that he played football at Illinois State like his father and brother. Colton Underwood then moved on to the NFL where he played for several teams.
He was signed to the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad first as a linebacker in 2014 but was swiftly released after the team signed on two new players. Underwood then moved on to the San Diego Chargers’ practice squad that year. There he managed to make through the rest of the year and go to training camp for the next season. But he was waived for the 2015 season because he got injured.
Finally, Colton Underwood got signed to the Oakland Raiders’ practice squad close to the end of the 2015 season. He began moving from being a linebacker to a tight end. He was then released after training camp before the 2016 season started.
He injured his shoulder and needed surgery
Football is a tough sport and most athletes retire due to injuries. Colton Underwood is no different. He tore a ligament and had a break in his left shoulder joint. Unfortunately, this injury occurred on his first day of practice while playing for the Oakland Raiders.
“I put in my retirement papers two weeks ago,” Underwood announced according to Journal Star. “I had a serious shoulder issue and told myself I should get the surgery done.” He then added, “I couldn’t keep playing on it.”
The retired football player seemed to be in a state of acceptance when making the announcement. “I had a good run,” he said. “I played a kids’ game for a long time. It’s bittersweet, but I’m ready to move on.”
After retiring, he owned a restaurant and started a charity
The retired football player had to figure out what to do next. One of the things he turned to was opening a restaurant called 4th & Goal Grill in Washington, Illinois. He opened it in 2016 but it has now been passed along to family members.
He sold the bar to his aunt and uncle in 2018 when he got busy filming The Bachelorette. It was probably a good move considering he later had to film The Bachelor.
He also moved on from the NFL by starting his charity, The Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation. It’s a non-profit organization aiming to provide support and research for people living with cystic fibrosis. It looks like life after the NFL has been pretty positive for Colton Underwood.
Read more: ‘The Bachelor’: Will Colton Underwood Have Fantasy Suites on Season 23?
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