Local
Lake Norman's Sam Hartman, NFL quarterback, named next Bachelor for season 30
Sam Hartman, a Charlotte native and Washington Commanders practice squad quarterback, will lead the 30th season of ABC's 'The Bachelor,' premiering March 21, 2027.
Sam Hartman, a Charlotte native who grew up in the Lake Norman area, has been cast as the lead for the 30th season of ABC's "The Bachelor," the network confirmed. The 27-year-old NFL quarterback, currently on the Washington Commanders' practice squad, will become the face of one of the country's most-watched reality dating franchises.
Hartman's path to the national spotlight began in the Charlotte area, where he attended SouthLake Christian Academy and Davidson Day School. He went on to play college football at Wake Forest and Notre Dame before signing with the Commanders.
The announcement adds a local angle to a show that typically draws contestants from across the country. Hartman's Lake Norman roots and his ongoing professional football career make him an unusual pick for the role, which has historically featured former contestants and other entertainment figures rather than active professional athletes.
Season 30 of "The Bachelor" is set to premiere March 21, 2027, on ABC. Neither Hartman nor the Commanders have publicly commented on the casting.
For Charlotte-area viewers, the season will offer a rare chance to watch a hometown athlete navigate the show's high-profile dating format. Whether Hartman's football career will intersect with the filming schedule remains unclear, though his practice squad status with Washington may allow for flexibility during the offseason.
The casting was first reported by Axios Charlotte.