ABC's 'Bachelor' Is Former Redbird, Grew Up In Illinois

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Season 23 of ABC's "The Bachelor" premieres Monday night, Jan. 7, and it just so happens this season's "Bachelor" spent some time in Illinois. This season's leading man, 26-year-old Colton Underwood, played football at Washington High School before dominating on defense at Illinois State University, where he majored in business management, according to the school's website.

The university, where his father and brother also played football, said Underwood contributed to the defense that helped take the 2012 Redbirds team to the playoffs for the first time in six years.

Colton was named after the Indianapolis Colts as he was born on Super Bowl Sunday, Jan. 26, 1992, which could've foreshadowed his love for football. He would go on to play for three professional football teams after college; the San Diego Chargers, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Oakland Raiders.

Insider reported Underwood never played in an NFL game and was injured in his last season, so he chose to move on and focus on a foundation he started while playing football, the Colton Underwood Legacy Project. This provides support for cystic fibrosis patients and was founded by Underwood because his younger cousin suffers from CF, a genetic disease affecting the lungs and ability to breathe without difficulty.

So, how did he get to be the star of this season's "Bachelor"? Underwood was eliminated right before the final rounds on the last season of "The Bachelor" franchise's "The Bachelorette," by leading lady Becca Kufrin. He then signed on to the franchise's "Bachelor in Paradise," which aired this past summer. He left the show and was soon chosen as the next "Bachelor."

Season 23 of "The Bachelor" premieres at 7 p.m. CST Monday, Jan. 7 on ABC. Watch as 30 bachelorettes compete for Underwood's heart.

And while he continues life in the spotlight, Underwood has advice for the Redbirds, according to the university, which is to "stay true to themselves, no matter where life takes them."

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 07: Colton Underwood attends the Disney ABC Television TCA Summer Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 7, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)