Colton Underwood is widely recognized as a former professional football player turned reality television personality, but his journey in the NFL often raises questions for sports fans. This overview examines his brief career in the league and how it connects to his broader public profile.
Below is a structured snapshot of key milestones and roles that frame how Underwood transitioned from the gridiron to the spotlight, highlighting the most relevant details for understanding his time in professional football.
| Phase | Timeline | Team | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College | 2014–2017 | Illinois State Redbirds | Wide receiver | Played at Illinois State University, set multiple receiving records |
| NFL Draft | 2018 | — | Undrafted free agent | Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after going undrafted |
| NFL Roster Time | 2018–2019 | Philadelphia Eagles | Wide receiver / Special teams | Spent time on the practice squad and active roster |
| Training Camp | 2020 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Wide receiver | Signed a reserve/futures contract; released before regular season |
| Public Spotlight | 2018 onward | — | Reality television | Rose to fame on The Bachelor, shifting focus away from playing career |
Colton Underwood NFL Draft Process And Signing
Path From College To The Eagles
After declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft, Colton Underwood went undrafted, which placed him in the position of a tryout player for multiple teams. The Philadelphia Eagles extended a deal that led to a rookie minicamp invitation, followed by a contract that allowed him to join the roster at a practice squad level. This entry point is common for players who demonstrate potential but do not receive early round selections.
Colton Underwood Playing Time And Roster Moves
Practice Squad And Active Roster Experience
During the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Colton Underwood spent time on both the practice squad and the active roster of the Philadelphia Eagles. These transitions reflect the competitive nature of NFL rosters, where players must consistently prove their value in training sessions and preseason games to secure a place on game day.
Colton Underwood Buccaneers Attempt
2020 Training Camp With Tampa Bay
In 2020, Underwood signed a reserve/futures contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, indicating a continued pursuit of an NFL opportunity. He was released in the preseason, a decision that underscored the limited room for veteran receivers on deep rosters and the constant turnover driven by performance and team needs.
Colton Underwood Reality Television Influence
The Bachelor And Public Recognition
Following his time in football, Colton Underwood gained widespread attention as the lead of The Bachelor, which shifted public perception of his career. This transition highlights how athletes sometimes move into entertainment when the intensity of professional sports does not continue at the same level, reshaping their public identity beyond the field.
Key Takeaways On Colton Underwood NFL Journey
- He played college football at Illinois State University as a wide receiver.
- He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2018.
- His NFL career included time on the practice squad and limited active roster appearances.
- He spent part of the 2020 training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- His transition to reality television shifted his public focus away from professional football.
- His experience reflects the challenges many undrafted players face in securing long-term NFL roles.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Colton Underwood make the active NFL roster for more than a brief period?
No, his active roster time with the Philadelphia Eagles was limited, as he primarily remained on the practice squad during the 2018 and 2019 seasons before moving on to other opportunities.
Which team drafted Colton Underwood in the NFL?
He was not drafted by any team; he entered the league as an undrafted free agent and later signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a practice squad player.
Why did Colton Underwood not continue playing in the NFL after 2019?
Limited roster spots and increased competition led him to pursue other interests, including television, which provided more stability and public exposure than a full-time playing career.
What teams did Colton Underwood play for in the NFL beyond the Eagles?
After his stint with Philadelphia, he participated in training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 but was released before the regular season began.