What Happened to Colton Underwood?
Colton Underwood is an American reality television personality and former professional football player who gained prominence as the lead of 'The Bachelor' Season 23. After his time on the show, he publicly came out as gay in 2021, chronicling his journey in the Netflix series 'Coming Out Colton.' He is now married to political strategist Jordan C. Brown, and they welcomed their son, Bishop, in September 2024.
Quick Answer
Colton Underwood, known from 'The Bachelor,' publicly came out as gay in April 2021 and has since embraced his authentic self. He married political strategist Jordan C. Brown on May 13, 2023, and they became fathers to a son named Bishop on September 26, 2024. In early 2026, Underwood appeared on 'The Traitors' Season 4, where he addressed past controversies and reflected on his personal growth.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Brief NFL Career
Underwood was signed to practice squads for the San Diego Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Oakland Raiders before his football career ended due to injury.
Appears on 'The Bachelorette' and 'Bachelor in Paradise'
Colton first appeared as a contestant on 'The Bachelorette' Season 14 and later on 'Bachelor in Paradise' Season 5.
Announced as 'The Bachelor'
ABC announced Colton Underwood would star in the 23rd season of 'The Bachelor,' a decision that received mixed reactions.
Releases Memoir 'The First Time'
Underwood published his book, 'The First Time: Finding Myself and Looking for Love on Reality TV,' detailing his life and experiences on 'The Bachelor.'
Cassie Randolph Files Restraining Order
His ex-girlfriend Cassie Randolph filed a temporary restraining order against him, alleging stalking and harassment, which she later dropped.
Comes Out as Gay on 'Good Morning America'
Colton Underwood publicly came out as gay during an emotional interview on 'Good Morning America,' stating he had 'ran from myself for a long time.'
Relationship with Jordan C. Brown Revealed
Reports surfaced that Underwood was dating political strategist Jordan C. Brown, later confirmed in December 2021.
'Coming Out Colton' Premieres on Netflix
His six-episode unscripted docuseries, chronicling his coming-out journey and exploration of the LGBTQ+ community, debuted on Netflix.
Engaged to Jordan C. Brown
Underwood announced his engagement to Jordan C. Brown, calling 2021 'the most transformative year of my life.'
Marries Jordan C. Brown
Colton Underwood and Jordan C. Brown tied the knot in a three-day celebration in Napa Valley, California, in front of 200 guests.
Welcomes Son Bishop
The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Bishop Colton Brown-Underwood, via surrogate.
Competes on 'The Traitors' Season 4
Underwood joined the cast of Peacock's 'The Traitors' Season 4, marking his return to reality competition television as his authentic self.
Addresses Stalking Scandal on 'The Traitors' Reunion
During 'The Traitors' reunion, Underwood publicly addressed the Cassie Randolph stalking controversy for the first time in six years, acknowledging his past struggles and growth.
Reflects on Past Hookups with Married Men
Underwood reflected on his pre-coming out period, explaining that he exclusively hooked up with married 'straight' men to protect himself from public exposure.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Colton Underwood first rose to national prominence through his appearances on ABC's 'The Bachelorette' and 'Bachelor in Paradise,' before being selected as the lead for 'The Bachelor' Season 23 in 2019. His season was notably defined by his public discussion of his virginity and his dramatic fence-jump incident. He ultimately chose Cassie Randolph, and they dated until May 2020.
Following their breakup, Randolph filed a temporary restraining order against Underwood in September 2020, alleging stalking and harassment, which she later dropped. This period was described by Underwood as a dark time where he struggled with prescription medications like Xanax and contemplated suicide.
A pivotal moment in Underwood's life occurred on April 14, 2021, when he publicly came out as gay during an interview on 'Good Morning America.' He further explored his coming-out journey and engagement with the LGBTQ+ community in the six-episode Netflix docuseries 'Coming Out Colton,' which premiered in December 2021.
Underwood found love with political strategist Jordan C. Brown, with their relationship becoming public in September 2021. They announced their engagement in February 2022 and married in a three-day celebration in Napa Valley, California, on May 13, 2023. The couple expressed their desire to break traditional wedding norms and honor queer history during their ceremony.
In May 2024, Underwood and Brown announced they were expecting their first child via surrogate, and their son, Bishop Colton Brown-Underwood, was born on September 26, 2024. Underwood has spoken about the importance of showing his family life to challenge stereotypes and inspire others in the LGBTQ+ community.
Most recently, in January 2026, Underwood competed on Season 4 of Peacock's 'The Traitors.' During the show's reunion in February 2026, he addressed his past stalking scandal with Cassie Randolph, stating he has taken accountability and grown significantly since 2020. In May 2026, he discussed his journey with mental health and fertility. As of June 2026, Underwood has reflected on his past, explaining that before coming out, he had exclusively hooked up with married men as a way to protect himself from exposure.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Colton Underwood made different choices?