ABC has finally announced that the star of The Bachelor Season 30 will be none other than NFL heartthrob Sam Hartman. The athlete currently serves as a quarterback for the Washington Commanders squad, but his casting leaves some big questions about scheduling and how he’ll be able to do both jobs at once.
As previously reported by TV Dispatch, Season 30 of The Bachelor will premiere on Sunday, March 21, 2027. Although football season will be over by then, it remains to be seen when Sam Hartman will have the time to film. Since the NFL season runs into January, and potentially even later if the Commanders advance into the postseason, will he be able to film, practice, and attend games?
How Will Sam Hartman Juggle His NFL Schedule and Film Season 30 Of The Bachelor?
The reality dating series typically requires several weeks of filming. As many fans know, the elaborate dates are planned out in advance and once there are only four women left, hometown dates followed by overnight dates come before the final rose is given out.
Although ABC has not announced a filming schedule, the conflict does raise questions. Meanwhile, ABC likely needs this season to be a triumph after not airing a single episode of any of the shows in the Bachelor Nation franchise this year. The Bachelorette was filmed with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul.
However, that season was canceled just days before it was set to premiere due to drama surrounding Frankie Paul’s relationship with her ex. Bachelor in Paradise and The Golden Bachelor also didn’t air new seasons in 2026. By the time Season 30 of The Bachelor airs, it will be nearly two years since the previous season of the show.
Fans Are Pumped To Watch Sam’s Season
This means that fans have been waiting a long time to watch new episodes of the show. With an NFL player in the leading role, the interest is even higher.
“This might be what gets me to actually watch The Bachelor,” one person wrote via X. “Undrafted. Practice squad. Zero regular season snaps. ABC just made him the most pursued quarterback in America,” said another.
“Should be the most watched series of all time. Sam is a stud,” a third person proclaimed. “Sam Hartman bringing a whole new game to The Bachelor mansion! This season should be interesting,” a fourth comment read.
Who Is Sam Hartman?: All About His College Career And Family
For fans who might not follow sports, Sam Hartman is likely not a familiar face. The athlete is 27-years-old and played college football at Wake Forest University before transferring to Notre Dame for his final season. He went undrafted into the NFL, but did sign with the Washington Commanders in 2024.
Hartman is the youngest son of a doctor and a nurse, whom he says are happy that he’s been giving this chance, and viewers will likely see Mr. and Mrs. Hartman on an episode or two of The Bachelor Season 30.
“My mom and I have a really cool relationship, and my pops is obviously supportive,” Sam said during an interview on Good Morning America. “And their big thing is just be myself and enjoy the experience and trust the instinct and trust your gut. That’s what’s got me here so far.”
Sam says because his entire family is in the medical field, finding a partner who is caring and compassionate is important to him. He also admitted that he needs his future wife to be competitive just like him.
Hartman Isn’t the First Football Player To Star As The Bachelor
While Sam Hartman may be the first NFL star to be announced as The Bachelor during his actual season, he’s certainly not the first football player to hold the title. Former NFL quarterback, Jesse Palmer, led the franchise in Season 5, and is now the host of the show.
Meanwhile, Colton Underwood and Clayton Echard also both had football backgrounds before being chosen as ABC’s leading man. While the quarterback says he had some reservations about taking on the role, it was Palmer who talked him through it, and put his mind at ease, reminding him that he has the potential to meet the love of his life throughout the experience.
While Sam Hartman may have some tough decisions ahead as he balances his football career with his new reality TV role, he seems ready to embrace the experience. With Jesse Palmer offering advice and an entire season of romance ahead, fans will soon find out whether Hartman’s biggest victory comes on the football field or when he finally hands out his final rose.
Season 30 of The Bachelor premieres March 21, 2027, on ABC.
TV Dispatch has reached out to The Commanders about any possible scheduling conflicts.
